The CBI is now probing the reasons why some government agencies declared certain projects related to the Commonwealth Games as “urgent” for release of additional funds at the last moment. The agency has so far registered three cases in connection with alleged irregularities in awarding of contracts related to the Games.
According to sources, there are reports that certain government agencies, engaged in executing works for the CWG, considered inadmissible factors to jack-up the reasonable price and justify the award of work at high rates citing “urgent” circumstances. Certain projects for which additional funds were released at the last moment following the request of the concerned civic agencies, are being examined by the agency.
Sources further said, “Despite higher rates, poor site management, delays and quality compromises have been observed by the probe agencies”. More than 32 such contracts awarded by several government agencies other than the OC, are being examined.
In certain cases, discounts offered by the firm were allegedly tampered either by cutting or by over-writing in the price bid after they were opened in order to increase the quoted amount, sources said. They further added that despite the poor quality of the executed works, the test records were allegedly fabricated to show high strength in certain construction projects, which are now being examined by the probe agency.
“Even third party quality assurance agencies also failed to point out major failure of concrete samples and preparation of forged testing records in certain cases. Several agencies took up the work of street-scaping, especially kerb stone and footpath tiles, without ascertaining the need for such an upgradation. The main purpose of aesthetics could not be achieved due to poor quality control and lack of supervision”, sources said. If required, the agency may question some government officials in this regard, sources added.