Delhi Govt to Probe Chandni Chowk Project over Financial Lapses
The Delhi government has decided to investigate the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project over allegations of financial irregularities. The project, which was initially estimated to cost ₹65.6 crore, has seen its cost surge to ₹145 crore. The development comes after officials discovered that the Public Works Department (PWD) continued to spend money beyond the sanctioned limit of ₹99.68 crore without obtaining mandatory revised approval.
According to sources, authorities have flagged several deviations and unapproved expenditures exceeding ₹370 crore in the project. The probe is expected to investigate the reasons behind the massive cost overrun and identify those responsible for the financial lapses.
The Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project was launched in 2014 with the aim of transforming the historic commercial hub into a modern, pedestrian-friendly area. The project involved widening the streets, constructing new buildings, and installing infrastructure such as sewage and drainage systems. However, the project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, which have been a major cause of concern for the Delhi government.
The financial irregularities in the project came to light during a review of the PWD’s financial statements by the government. Officials discovered that the department had continued to spend money on the project without obtaining revised approval from the government. This is in violation of the government’s rules and regulations, which require departments to seek approval for any changes to the project’s scope or budget.
The Delhi government has taken the decision to probe the project following a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which highlighted several financial irregularities in the project. The CAG report pointed out that the PWD had failed to maintain proper records of the project’s expenses, and that there were several instances of unauthorized expenditures.
The government has also asked the PWD to furnish detailed information about the project’s expenses, including the amount spent on each component of the project. The department has been asked to provide the information within a fortnight, and officials have been warned that any further delays could lead to disciplinary action.
The probe into the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project is seen as a major step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the government’s projects. The Delhi government has been under pressure to crack down on corruption and financial irregularities in its projects, and the probe is expected to send a strong message to government officials and contractors.
The Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project is not the only project in Delhi that has been plagued by financial irregularities. Several other projects, including the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), have been embroiled in controversy over alleged financial irregularities.
In recent years, the Delhi government has taken several steps to improve transparency and accountability in its projects. The government has introduced a new system of project monitoring, which involves regular reviews of project expenses and progress. The government has also established a vigilance department to investigate allegations of corruption and financial irregularities in government projects.
The probe into the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project is expected to be completed within a few months. The government has promised to take appropriate action against those found guilty of financial irregularities, and to recover any losses caused by the irregularities.
In conclusion, the Delhi government’s decision to probe the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project over financial irregularities is a major step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the government’s projects. The probe is expected to identify those responsible for the financial lapses and recover any losses caused by the irregularities. The Delhi government’s commitment to transparency and accountability is a welcome development, and it is hoped that the probe will lead to a more transparent and accountable government.
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