Delhi Govt debars Centre-run firm from PWD tenders for 2 yrs

In a strong message of zero tolerance towards substandard construction, the BJP-ruled Delhi Government has debarred the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) — a Centre-run agency — from participating in any Public Works Department (PWD) tender for two years. The action follows serious structural faults found in judicial staff quarters built by the agency in Dwarka.

The NCCBM, which functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is tasked with technology development and industrial services in the cement and construction sector.

According to an official memorandum exclusively accessed by The Tribune, the PWD issued a show-cause notice to NCCBM in October 2024, questioning why the agency should not be debarred for executing substandard work that allegedly compromised the safety of residents.

Citing its findings, the PWD Director stated that within just two years of completion, cracks began appearing in plaster and structural distress emerged. By the fourth year, critical structural components, including beams, columns and chajjas, were reportedly deteriorating.

“The floors of the quarters have swollen in upward directions and RCC cover portions of structural members i.e. column, beams and chajja are falling down continuously. The reinforcement where the concrete has fallen is visible and seems corroded,” the order read.

A structural audit by the IIT-Delhi further raised alarm over the building’s safety, recommending its demolition due to significant distress in load-bearing elements.

“It is evident that the work was not executed by you with due diligence, which caused development of structural distress, corrosion in reinforcement leading to opening of cracks in beams, columns and also spalling of concrete within a short period of 4 years after the completion of work,” the document read.

Despite multiple consultations, the PWD found NCCBM’s responses unsatisfactory and moved to debar the agency. However, it clarified that ongoing contracts with the NCCBM will remain unaffected.