What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has exposed significant financial mismanagement in the renovation of the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence, escalating costs to an astonishing ₹33.66 crore, which is 342% more than the initial estimate of ₹7.61 crore. This report, although not yet tabled in the Delhi Assembly, sheds light on what has become a contentious issue in the capital’s political landscape.
Irregularities and Extravagant Expenditure:
The project, initially tendered at ₹8.62 crore, ballooned to over ₹33 crore by its completion in April 2022. The CAG audit identifies lavish expenditures on items like marble walls costing ₹46 lakhs, smart LED lighting at ₹47 lakhs, and other luxury fittings including modular kitchens, large-screen TVs, saunas, and jacuzzis. Notable expenses include ₹96 lakh on curtains, ₹39 lakh on kitchen equipment, and ₹16.27 lakh for silk carpets. Costs for wall marble escalated from ₹20 lakh to ₹66.89 lakh and floor tiles from ₹5.5 lakh to ₹14 lakh. Additionally, the built-up area increased by 36%, significantly driving up the total cost.
Flawed Tendering and Consultancy:
The audit points out procedural lapses, including the absence of open bidding for contracts worth ₹25.8 crore, which potentially denied the government cost-effective solutions. The selection of consultants was criticized for lacking transparency and justification, with consultancy contracts being awarded under questionable circumstances. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been accused of using non-residential building rates for what was essentially a residential project, leading to inflated estimates.
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Political Repercussions:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vocally criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for this expenditure, branding the CM’s residence as “Sheeshmahal” and a testament to alleged corruption. BJP leaders have suggested that the real cost, including undisclosed expenses, might be between ₹75 to ₹80 crore, alleging the removal of luxury items like gold-plated fittings when the CM vacated the property.
Audit Findings on Project Management:
The report details a host of mismanagement issues, including the unjustified use of higher specification materials, multiple revisions of initial estimates, and deviations from the original plan. Over ₹18.88 crore was spent on ornamental items, while some sanctioned components like a staff block and camp office were either not completed or omitted altogether.
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Current Political Climate:
This CAG report has stirred a political controversy, with the BJP leveraging it to attack the AAP’s governance record as Delhi heads towards upcoming elections. The AAP government has not yet issued an official response to these allegations, leaving the public discourse charged with political debate and calls for accountability.
