CWG in a dock

Despite OC's repeated denials, the games are in murky waters
Sadiq Naqvi and Akash Bisht Delhi

Even as the allegations of rampant corruption continue, the organising committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) is still in a state of denial.

In an interaction with media persons OC spokesperson Lalit Bhanot reiterated that all is well and there is no need to panic.
When asked about the truth behind the OC renting corporate umbrella for more than Rs 6000 which would have not cost more than a few hundred rupees, Bhanot said " all the procedures have been duly followed and we have paid less than what the organisers of Olympics or FIFA world cup doled out for the same material."

Interestingly, what may be turn out as the mother of all scams, a recent media report says that the OC had paid an exorbitant Rs 10 lakh as rent for a treadmill. The rent for a chair stands at Rs 8,378 whereas a 100 litre refrigerator will be in service for a little more than Rs 42,000. Even a tissue roll has been approved at hefty price of more than Rs 4000. However, Bhanot says that OC will render an explanation at a suitable time.

Bhanot also refused to explain why a Singapore based firm, Sports Marketing and Management, roped in by the OC for garnering money through sponsors will get a commission of 20 per cent even on the money coming in from Public Sector Undertakings (PSU). Hardnews had earlier reported that SMAM has failed to fetch sizeable private sponsorships for the games and hence PSUs would be asked to chip in. Media reports have since confirmed this fact.

Moreover, the recent report by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had found rampant corruption in many games related projects. "Almost all the organisations executing work for CWG have considered inadmissible factors to jack-up the reasonable price to justify award of work at quoted rates citing urgent/emergent circumstances. Despite higher rates poor site management, delays and quality compromises have been observed," the report read. The report also pointed out that, "ineligible agencies" were awarded work and "fabrication of test records to show high strength". 

The report had sent shivers down the spine of Delhi government with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit reportedly issuing gag orders to all the officials and ministers involved in games related projects. 

Moreover, a former Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Sudheer Kumar had reportedly said that Delhi government was earlier insisting that CWG projects be kept out of the purview of CVC.
  
Also, there newly built/renovated stadia have already started showing signs of crumbling. The various sports federations have expressed worries over the smooth conduct of the games. The Commonwealth Games Federation had also written to the OC to make sure that all the safety checks were in place. However, Bhanot played it down saying that "we are aware and will look into it."

More hard-hitting stories on commonwealth games and construction workers

Nothing common about this wealth  
http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2010/02/3466
Conquerors of the golden city
http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2010/03/3490
Sweat and tears (on Metro workers)
http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2009/11/3350
The nation builders (on Metro workers)
http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2009/08/3142