1 week ago
Minister Bungalow Upkeep Bill Draws School Spending Criticism
The government spent Rs 92.35 crore maintaining homes used by Union ministers in 2025-26.
These homes are old bungalows in Delhi.
A group called the Cockroach Janta Party said the money could have built 10 new government schools.
It said the government should focus more on schools than expensive homes.
Officials said the bungalows are 80 to 100 years old and need costly repairs.
They mentioned problems such as leaks, termites, and old electrical and plumbing systems.
Opposition leaders also criticised the spending.
They compared it with the BJP’s earlier criticism of renovations at Arvind Kejriwal’s official home.
Upkeep spending on Union ministers’ official Delhi residences reached Rs 92.35 crore in 2025-26, according to RTI information obtained by PTI.
The Central Public Works Department spent Rs 547.68 crore on renovation, furnishing and repairs over 12 years from 2014-15 to 2025-26.
The Cockroach Janta Party said the latest bill could have funded 10 new government schools and accused the Centre of misplaced priorities.
Officials attributed the increased costs to ageing bungalows, including problems with seepage, termites, electrical systems and plumbing.
AAP and Congress leaders criticised the spending, while comparing it with BJP criticism of Arvind Kejriwal’s former official residence.
- Who
- The Central Public Works Department, the Cockroach Janta Party, and opposition leaders including Somnath Bharti and Supriya Shrinate.
- What
- Spending on renovating, furnishing and repairing Union ministers’ official residences rose to Rs 92.35 crore.
- Where
- Official residences of Union ministers in Delhi.
- When
- The record expenditure occurred in financial year 2025-26; the comparison period covers 2014-15 to 2025-26.
- Why
- Officials cited the cost of maintaining 80- to 100-year-old bungalows, while critics said the funds should instead support government schools.
Critics of the spending
Officials’ explanation
Government priorities
Critics of the spending
The Cockroach Janta Party, Somnath Bharti and Supriya Shrinate said the expenditure showed misplaced priorities and that more resources should go to government schools.
Officials’ explanation
Officials did not address the school comparison but said the higher bill reflected the costs of maintaining ageing official residences.
Political consistency
Critics of the spending
Somnath Bharti and Supriya Shrinate questioned the spending, with Bharti contrasting it with BJP criticism of renovations at Arvind Kejriwal’s former official residence.
Officials’ explanation
The article notes that the BJP had previously criticised expenditure on Kejriwal’s residence, calling it a “sheesh mahal”; no BJP response to the new figures is provided.
Key facts
- 2025-26 expenditure
- Rs 92.35 crore
- 2014-15 expenditure
- Rs 27.47 crore
- 12-year cumulative expenditure
- Rs 547.68 crore from 2014-15 to 2025-26
- Maintenance agency
- Central Public Works Department
- Estimated school equivalent
- The Cockroach Janta Party said Rs 92 crore could fund 10 new world-class government schools.
- Residence age
- Many bungalows are reportedly 80 to 100 years old.
Quotes
Cockroach Janta Party
Satirical youth movement campaigning on government schools and public issues
“Rs 92.35 crore was spent in 2025-26. Rs 27.47 crore was spent in 2014-15. Meaning, the expenditure has now more than tripled. The public grapples with inflation and unemployment - but what do they care?”
telegraphindia.com
“Why doesn't the Godi media debate this 92 crore splurge on repair of houses of ministers in Modi govt who left no stone unturned to criticise Kejriwal govt for constructing a CM house?”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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