Editor,

I wish to draw the attention of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the minister for education to a matter of serious public concern involving a half-constructed annexe building situated behind the Directorate of School Education building in E Sector, Itanagar.

The structure in question is reportedly a small annexe to the main office building, consisting of a room measuring approximately 20 feet by 20 feet. Despite its limited size, it is understood that more than Rs 80 lakh has already been sanctioned and largely released for the project. To put the dimensions into perspective, a room of this size would scarcely exceed the size of a luxury suite’s bathroom or dressing area in some high-end establishments. It is therefore difficult for ordinary citizens to comprehend how such a modest structure could entail such substantial expenditure. More surprising is the fact that, even after two to three years and the release of a significant portion of the sanctioned funds, the building remains incomplete.

What is even more concerning is the widespread understanding that the work was reportedly awarded directly through a work order issued by the director of elementary education without any open tender process. If this understanding is correct, it would constitute a serious procedural lapse. Public procurement rules exist to ensure transparency, competitiveness, value for money, and accountability in the expenditure of public funds. For a project involving expenditure exceeding Rs 80 lakh, the absence of a competitive tender process raises legitimate questions that deserve immediate examination by the competent authorities.

At a time when many schools in the remote and interior areas of Arunachal Pradesh are struggling for funds to construct classrooms, hostels, teachers’ quarters, and to undertake basic repairs and renovations, the expenditure of such a large amount on a structure of such modest dimensions appears difficult to justify. Every rupee of public money must be spent judiciously, particularly when educational infrastructure in many parts of the state remains inadequate.

Another serious concern relates to structural safety. Arunachal falls under Seismic Zone V, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the country. It is therefore essential that all public buildings are constructed strictly in accordance with approved drawings, structural designs, and seismic safety norms. It is understood that no publicly available drawings, design specifications, or details regarding the foundation strength of the structure have been disclosed. This raises concerns about whether the building has been designed and constructed in accordance with prescribed engineering standards.

Adding to these concerns are reports that an additional amount of approximately Rs 2 crore may be sought to complete the project. Considering the size of the structure and the substantial amount already expended, such a proposal would require rigorous technical and financial scrutiny. Any proposal to add further construction without a proper assessment of the foundation, structural capacity, and approved design could create significant safety risks.

If, in the future, the structure were to suffer any form of structural failure resulting in injury or loss of life, serious questions of accountability would arise. Responsibility cannot be avoided by those who approved the project, issued work orders, sanctioned funds, supervised construction, or authorised additional expenditure without ensuring compliance with established norms and safety standards.

In light of the above, I respectfully request the minister of education to:

# Conduct an independent inquiry into the award of the work and determine whether government procurement and tendering rules were duly followed.

# Ensure that all works exceeding the prescribed financial threshold are awarded through transparent and competitive tendering procedures in accordance with government norms.

# Order an independent structural and technical audit of the building, including verification of approved drawings, design specifications, foundation strength, and compliance with seismic safety requirements.

Ä Initiate disciplinary proceedings against any officials found responsible for violating financial, engineering, or procurement regulations.

” Ensure that no additional funds are sanctioned until all technical, financial, and procedural concerns have been satisfactorily addressed and independently verified.

I earnestly appeal to the authorities to intervene in the interest of public safety, transparency, and responsible use of public funds. The lives of government employees who may be required to work in the building, and members of the public who visit the premises must not be placed at risk due to negligence, procedural violations, or inadequate oversight. Preventive action today can avert a potential tragedy tomorrow.

A concerned citizen