Delhi Minister Calls Dilapidated School a ‘Monument of Corruption’

Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood recently inspected the deteriorating Lal School in Shahbad Dairy, highlighting significant concerns over the state of the building. Accompanied by Ravinder Indraj Singh, the Minister assessed the construction site in the Bawana Assembly constituency, where he encountered alarming evidence of poor building practices.

During the inspection, officials from the Directorate of Education informed Sood that the school, constructed in 2020, had rapidly declined in condition and was declared dangerous in July 2024. The use of sub-standard materials was cited as the primary cause for the building’s deterioration, which led to significant structural issues within just five years. The inspection revealed substantial damage, with plaster peeling off walls, flooring compromised, and classroom windows broken.

Sood described the situation as a serious case of corruption and negligence, stating, “The school building becoming dilapidated within just five years is a clear case of corruption and negligence.” He further labeled Lal School as the “Taj Mahal of corruption” linked to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.

In response to the urgent need for action, Sood promised to overhaul the school and transform it into a safe, modern educational institution. He emphasized that “strict action will be taken against the guilty officers and responsible persons involved in the construction of the school.”

The impact of the school’s condition has been significant for local students. Approximately 5,000 students have been forced to relocate to nearby schools, necessitating daily commutes of over 2 kilometers. Sood expressed his concern, stating, “This is a matter of grave concern for us,” and reiterated the hardships faced by these children.

In defending the integrity of the local community, Sood noted that residents near the school had not reported any water quality issues, countering claims that environmental factors contributed to the building’s decline. He accused previous administrations of prioritizing corruption over the educational needs of underprivileged children, which has severely disrupted their right to education, especially during critical examination periods.

The Aam Aadmi Party responded to Sood’s allegations by dismissing them as a political maneuver. In a statement, the party urged the minister to initiate a thorough investigation, assign accountability, and take appropriate action against any individuals found culpable.

During his visit, Sood also assessed another under-construction school in Sector 28, Rohini. He instructed officials from the Public Works Department and the Education Department to expedite the completion of this project before the next academic session, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring quality in construction.

Additionally, Sood reviewed 8 acres of vacant land near the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Bawana. He directed officials to develop this area into a multipurpose hall and hostel, alongside a walkway for residents, with a detailed project plan due within 15 days. Both schools are to be developed in line with the PM SHREE Schools initiative, incorporating modern facilities such as smart labs and language labs.

Sood concluded by reaffirming the Delhi Government’s commitment to enhancing educational and sports infrastructure across all Assembly constituencies in the city, aiming to create a robust foundation for the future of education in the region.