Corruption wins at Commonwealth Games

CNN IBN

New Delhi, 29 July 2010: The Commonwealth Games in New Delhi have been called India’s pride and a spectacle of its capabilities. It might end up being a spectacle of corruption though. CNN-IBN has accessed a report of the Chief Vigilance Commission (CVC) which points to corruption at every level in the organization of the games. The CVC report says that almost all organisations executing infrastructure works for Commonwealth Games have flouted rules in tenders and increased their prices. This means contractors have been paid more that what is the right price.

 

 

But despite higher rates, work has allegedly been delayed and quality has been compromised in all venues. The report says there is no guarantee of quality of the work done because test records have been fabricated to show compliance. Concrete used in infrastructure work in various stadiums has failed to meet the requirement of strength. Concrete used in the stadiums is an ordinary mixture instead of the prescribed ’ready mix concrete’. This poses a risk to athletes and spectators at the games. A third party inspection agency appointed to submit monthly report has not prepared even a single report on work quality.

 

There is yet another flaw that is potentially dangerous: electrical installations have not been tested in 14 out of the 17 venues before putting it to public use. The CVC report says in this condition electrical mishaps cannot be ruled out. Several agencies have been awarded contracts despite a ban on them. The CVC, early this year, decided not to blow the whistle about corruption at the games on a request from the Prime Minister’s Office and for the fear of being branded obstructionist, but now a litany of complaints has forced the agency to investigate the biggest sporting spectacle the country will host in October.

 

The report, exclusively accessed by CNN-IBN, has been sent to all Central government and Delhi government departments responsible for handling the game works.