Published>Sun, Aug 15 10 12:56 AM
The prime minister ordered ministries on Saturday to investigate complaints of corruption and mismanagement in the preparations for October's Commonwealth Games.
The cost of the event, intended to showcase India's rising global clout in the footsteps of the Beijing Olympics, has risen more than 17.5 times over its first budget estimate and raised concerns some venues will not be ready.
The Central Vigilance Commission, the government's anti-corruption watchdog, has identified 16 projects where financial irregularities are suspected.
The main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has seized on corruption allegations to try to tarnish the ruling Congress Party, already grappling with protests over price hikes and the prospect of a separatist uprising in Kashmir.
After meeting senior Games officials on Saturday, Manmohan Singh ordered investigations into the graft charges swirling around the Oct. 3-14 Games. His office said in a statement he would inspect some of the venues this month.
"The prime minister directed the concerned ministries to conduct thorough investigations into all the complaints that have been received of procedural and other irregularities," a statement issued by Singh's office said.
Graft is suspected in award of contracts, and in hiring or purchase of equipment such as air conditioners and treadmills and even toilet paper, Indian media have reported.
The prime minister's remarks are seen as a snub for Games organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who has distanced himself from the allegations, pointing out that construction work was being done by government agencies while the committee's role was confined to conducting the Games.
Three senior Delhi Commonwealth Games officials have already been suspended over financial irregularities.
"He (Singh) said that, in the run up to the Games, it was important to gain public confidence by instilling order and carrying out effective supervision of the preparation works," the statement said.
Source: Web Search
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