There is a delay even in installing condom-vending machines at various Commonwealth Games sites. And if that’s not enough, the Central Vigilance Commission, keeping a hawk’s eye on the progress, has asked officials of the CWG Organising Committee, headed by Mr Suresh Kalmadi, to explain why the free packets containing
condoms, shampoo bottles, first-aid kits and shopping and food coupons for all visiting athletes, delegates and technicians are not yet ready. Incidentally, it is mandatory for the OC to provide free condoms to visiting athletes and delegates.
The condom vending machines and free packets were supposed to have been ready by August 1. The machines are being installed by the Delhi government and the OC. The proposal to distribute free condoms in the free packets was passed after a meeting of the Delhi government and National AIDS Control Organisation (Naco). Officials at Naco said the guests would be free to either buy or avail of condoms themselves at select places. The condoms from the machines can be bought by dropping in a Rs 5 coin for a single piece.
The CVC has asked the Delhi government and the OC to explain why only 100 condom vending machines are ready to be installed while the proposal was for 200 machines. Sources in the Delhi government maintained that the number was brought down from 200 to 100 following a survey that made them realise that 200 vending machines were well over the actual requirement. However, a Naco official, when asked, said he had no idea why the number of machines was being brought down from 200 to 100. The CVC is still waiting for an official reply from the Delhi government on the issue. “The Delhi government and the Organising Committee have been asked to reply in the coming week,” said a senior CVC official. Each vending machine is expected to have one lakh condoms. The machine-dispensed condoms can also be accessed by visitors.
The food and shopping coupons in the free packets meant for distribution during the Games range in value from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. According to OC officials, the Rs 3,000 coupons were to be distributed to the technicians while the Rs 5,000 coupons were for athletes and delegates. Even these are not ready.
OC officials had stated in March 2010 that 25,000 sets of food and shopping coupons would be ready by August 1. The OC had earlier even confirmed that the money for the coupons had been sanctioned by the Delhi government. “However, the date to get the food and shopping coupons ready has passed,” said a CVC official.