Addressing the 170th foundation day of the CPWD, Khattar recounted his experience in dealing with building projects as Haryana Chief Minister.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Friday highlighted the need for greater transparency and quality control in Central Public Works Department (CPWD) projects, saying there are instances where new buildings look good on the outside but end up getting dilapidated within a few years.

He said when projects were being tendered, some “entrepreneurs and contractors” would come to him and ask him to give the work to “any CPSU [central public sector undertaking]”, saying they would “do the rest”. While he said he was not raising any doubt, it showed the mindset of contractors, referring to their perception of being able to have work awarded to themselves.

“Transparency must be the most-wanted quality,” he said.

Speaking earlier at the event, Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Anurag Jain said the CPWD should study best practices across India and the world.