CWG 2: National Games scam looms large

Ranchi: Sports events and controversy going hand in hand yet again. It's now the turn of the 34th National Games that have begun in Ranchi.

The Auditor General has already raised objections on several purchases and deals by the National Games Organising Committee, and the State Vigilance Department has also chipped in.

Sadly, sports has become synonym to controversies and corruption, courtesy the Commonwealth Games. The 34th National Games in Ranchi remains no exception. As even before it got triggered off, State Vigilance has begun enquiry into alleged corruption charges, once again involving members of organising committee.

Excess payments of over Rs 11 crores by National Games OC were detected by CAG.

According to the CAG, the catering contract was allotted to the Delhi-based Gazal caterers, violating bidding norms, and incurring a loss of Rs 2.8 crores.

Event management company Wizcraft, the CAG says, has already pocketed Rs 1.73 crores as a mobilisation advance, despite the company being blacklisted by the National games Organising Committee.

A company which won the travel contract was allegedly paid an extra Rs 3.47 crore rupees for the purchase of sports equipment.

Excess payments of over Rs 11 crores have been detected by the CAG. For instance, whistles available for Rs 40 each - were purchased for Rs 450 a piece.

This time round it's a team headed by RK Anand, the National Games Organising Committee chief, that is in the spotlight. Clearly there will be a lot of explaining to do after the games gets over.

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