Have Delhi's AAP leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendra Jain been implicated in a hospital construction scam?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, former health ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendra Jain from AAP are facing serious allegations of corruption related to the construction of 24 hospitals in Delhi. With over Rs 5,590 crores involved, this scandal raises crucial questions about transparency and accountability in public projects.
Key Takeaways
- Former health ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendra Jain are facing corruption allegations.
- The Anti-Corruption Branch has filed an FIR against them.
- The projects involved an expenditure of Rs 5,590 crores.
- Significant cost overruns and project delays have been reported.
- Transparency in public spending is crucial for maintaining public trust.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of Delhi has filed charges against former health ministers and AAP leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendra Jain for alleged corruption linked to health infrastructure projects involving 24 hospitals and an expenditure of Rs 5,590 crore, as confirmed by an official on Thursday.
The case of cheating, breach of trust, and conspiracy arose after the Centre, following the advice of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, authorized proceedings against the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The financial misconduct associated with these projects, characterized by inexplicable delays and soaring costs, occurred during 2018-19, according to the official.
Significant irregularities, unexplained delays, and considerable misappropriation of funds have been identified in the construction of various hospitals, polyclinics, and ICU facilities across the city, an investigator noted.
“An FIR - No. 37/2025 - dated June 26, under Section 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Sections 409, 420, and 120-B of the IPC, has been filed at the Anti-Corruption Branch Police Station, GNCTD against Saurabh Bhardwaj, Satyendar Jain, unidentified government officials, and private contractors,” the investigator revealed.
Significant deviations and cost increases, totaling several hundred crores, were noted. No project was completed within the stipulated timeframe, as highlighted in the complaint lodged on August 22 by then Leader of Opposition, Vijender Gupta.
Gupta pointed out severe irregularities and potential corruption within various health infrastructure initiatives under the GNCTD.
The complaint specifically named former Health Ministers Bhardwaj and Jain, accusing them of systematically manipulating project budgets, misusing public funds, and colluding with private contractors.
It was alleged that during 2018–2019, 24 hospital projects amounting to Rs 5,590 crores were approved.
However, these projects largely remained unfinished, accompanied by substantial and unexplained cost hikes. Likewise, the Rs 1,125-crore ICU Hospital Project, which encompasses seven pre-engineered facilities with a total of 6,800 beds, remains only partially complete after nearly three years and an expenditure of Rs 800 crores, despite an initial six-month completion promise.
Verification of the complaint unearthed unauthorized additional construction at government hospitals in Jwalapuri (by M/s Parnika Commercial & Estate Pvt Ltd) and Madipur (by M/s Ramacivil India Construction Pvt Ltd), executed without the necessary approvals, the complaint stated.
Importantly, the Madipur hospital project, initially slated for completion by November 2022, has been left abandoned and significantly incomplete.
It was revealed that the seven ICU hospitals, contracted to M/s SAM India Buildwell Pvt Ltd, faced cost increases exceeding 100 percent, with construction still ongoing well past the February 2022 deadline.
Further verification indicated that the New Block at LNJP Hospital, awarded to M/s Swadeshi Civil Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, saw project costs soar from Rs 488 crore to Rs 1,135 crore over four years, with the structure remaining incomplete beyond its January 2023 deadline.
Additionally, the Polyclinic Project exhibited misuse of funds - only 52 out of 94 planned clinics were constructed, while costs escalated from Rs 168 crore to Rs 220 crore, with many of these polyclinics still non-functional.
Despite a public announcement in 2016–17, the Health Information Management System (HIMS) - a vital tool for ensuring financial transparency in the health department - has not been implemented, the complaint asserted.
A free, cost-effective solution from NIC (e-Hospital) was reportedly rejected without proper justification, Gupta mentioned in his complaint.
Point of View
The allegations against Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendra Jain underscore a pressing need for greater transparency and accountability in public spending. As citizens, we must demand clarity on how public funds are utilized, particularly in critical sectors like health. Regardless of political affiliation, it is vital that our leaders are held accountable to ensure integrity in governance.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendra Jain?
They are accused of corruption linked to health infrastructure projects involving 24 hospitals and an expenditure of Rs 5,590 crores, as stated by the Anti-Corruption Branch.
What was the timeline for the hospital projects?
The projects were sanctioned during the period of 2018-2019 and were expected to be completed within specific timelines, which they failed to meet.
How much has the cost escalated in these projects?
The projects have experienced substantial cost increases, with some costs rising by over 100 percent.
What is the current status of the ICU Hospital Project?
The ICU Hospital Project, which was supposed to cover seven facilities with a total of 6,800 beds, remains only partially complete after nearly three years.
Is there any evidence of misappropriation of funds?
Yes, investigations have uncovered significant irregularities, including unauthorized construction and misuse of funds.
