This refers to ‘Where are the savings’, February 24. The impression which the article seems to convey is that unnecessarily high allocations are being provided for the Commonwealth Games.
This is far from the actual situation. In assessing the requirement of funds, stringent procedures are followed by the government — like assessment of projects by Expenditure Finance Committee, Committee of Non-Plan Expenditure, the Planning Commission, apart from Internal Finance of the Department of Sports — before the matter receives approval of the competent financial authority.
The report also states that a large chunk of money is earmarked for stadia and that there may be possibility of reduction as the cost of construction material has fallen. In this connection, it may be mentioned that before the approval of projects of reconstruction and new construction of stadia, careful evaluation is done. Revised estimates have to go through a stringent process of examination by the finance ministry, the Planning Commission and sports department before they are submitted for approval of the authority concerned. Advantages of reduction in costs would definitely be available in accordance with relevant contractual conditions.
As regards the budget of the organising committee, it is a fact that a revised budget has been submitted by the committee, which is being examined by the government. However, even in matters relating to the organising committee, checks have been put in place with the setting up of a finance committee within the organising committee in which the financial adviser and another officer of the ministry participate to examine proposals before financial approvals are given. Further, a representative of the Ministry of Finance has been included on the board of the organising committee. It is also noteworthy that all expenditure by the committee is subject to audit by CAG, according to government orders.
Revised Budget estimates for 2008-09, referred to in the article, reflect the requirements for ongoing projects. Unless the pace of work in various projects is maintained, it would be difficult to complete them on time. Much can be said on the debate between relative merit in having a mega event like the Commonwealth Games or spending equivalent amounts on broad-basing sports or for schemes in other sectors. With regard to the projects related to the upgrade of city infrastructure, various projects would augment the civic services available to the city and may not be attributable directly to the Games.
Successful organisations of such major multi-disciplinary sporting events, as is well-recognised, are globally known to create major economic opportunities and spin-off benefits in the sphere of international trade and investment, tourism etc.
Rahul Bhatnagar, Joint Secretary International Sports Division
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