CVC probes Games price rise

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The Central Vigilance Commission on Saturday launched an inquiry into reports that some of the medical equipment to be installed at polyclinics at the Commonwealth Games Village and other competition venues were bought at six to seven times the original cost of the equipment. The CVC has already found irregularities in various contracts related to the Games where prices were raised after the contract was awarded.

Though officials of the CVC remained tight-lipped about the exact dimensions of the inquiry, a senior Commonwealth Games Committee official confirmed that the CVC on Saturday called OC officials for explanations in the matter.
It is reliably learnt that the contracts awarded to some firms for medical equipment, like ice-making machines, which cost around Rs 50,000 per unit, and other such items, were at levels at least six to seven times the original cost. It is to be noted that around 40 ice-making machines in at least 20 polyclinics, two each at all the sites, were to come up during the Games.
Ice-making machines are used for making ice packs that are required for injured athletes. “The terms of agreement between the firms to whom the contracts have been given and the Organising Committee are being scrutinised by the CVC,” sources said.
Incidentally, even after the costly purchase of the medical equipment, there seems little sign of these being installed. The buildings for most of the polyclinics are yet to be completed. However, the medical equipment has been bought and will be installed once the building work is complete, confirmed a senior Delhi government official. Barely 60 days remain for the Games to start.
The CVC is also looking into the inexplicable delays into the completion of the Safdarjung Sports Injury Centre. The work on the centre is still going on. Sources said the CVC wanted to know why the project, crucial for providing health services to athletes, particularly in the case of emergencies, is lagging. The 600-bed-capacity injury centre had been ear-marked a budget of more than Rs 70.72 crores. The project started last year in April and is yet to be completed.
The CVC has already found irregularities, involving about Rs 2,500 crores, in at least 16 projects related to the Games.