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What is the Rs 2,000 cr ‘classroom scam’ in which top AAP leaders have been booked?

The allegations in the ‘classroom scam’ include financial misappropriation, irregular tendering processes, inflated construction costs, and non-adherence to standard procedures

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia (left) and Satyendar Jain have been implicated in the Rs 2000 crore 'classroom scam'. (PTI)

Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and former Public Works Department Minister Satyendar Jain have been booked by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Delhi government in connection with a Rs 2,000 crore “classroom scam”.

Here’s all you need to know.

The scam

Between 2015 and 2019, the Delhi government, under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), undertook a large-scale infrastructure project to improve school facilities.

Among other things, this included the construction of 12,748 classrooms across various schools. The PWD was assigned the task of executing the work. However, multiple complaints filed by political leaders, including members of the BJP, claimed the project was riddled with corruption, resulting in a loss of nearly Rs 2,000 crore to the public exchequer.

A total of 12,748 semi-permanent structures were supposed to be built at a cost of Rs 1,200 per sqft. But during construction, the cost shot up to around Rs 2,292 per sqft.

Key allegations

It was alleged that the semi-permanent structures — which have a lifespan of less than 30 years — were constructed at a cost equivalent to RCC (reinforced cement concrete) structures, which last 75 years. This contradicts the stated objective of cost-saving and sustainability.

The core allegation is that the cost per classroom was fraudulently inflated during the construction process. As per the complaints and verification, the construction cost per room came out to approximately Rs 24.86 lakh, exponentially higher than the roughly Rs 5 lakh it takes for similar constructions in Delhi.

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Reports from the Chief Technical Examiner (CTE) of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) revealed serious violations of government financial rules, CPWD manuals, and tendering processes. These include awarding contracts to firms allegedly associated with the ruling party without proper bidding, escalating project costs by 17% to 90% without inviting fresh tenders, engaging private consultants without following due procedure and duplication of work, execution of work without demand from schools, and mismanagement of timelines and funds.

Sakshi Chand

Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More