The high-level Shunglu Committee set up by the Prime Minister to probe all aspects of alleged irregularities in organising the Commonwealth Games has slammed Suresh Kalmadi, the former Organising Committee (OC) Chairman for mismanagement. The report indicts Kalmadi for causing financial losses, and a loss of image to the games and the nation.
In an extensive 534-page report submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the committee says Kalmadi ran the Organising committee like a club, misused his powers and neutralised dissent by removing employees who objected.
The OC under Kalmadi is also accused of delaying contracts to favour select contractors.
Here are some of the main findings of the Shunglu report:
OC intentionally delayed overlays contracts by not providing estimates for the 630 crores overlay contracts.
OC could have saved Rs. 138 crore in overlays if it had negotiated for the overlays contracts.
Chairman(Suresh Kalmadi) appointed Loyalists in Key positions, particularly a large number from Pune including a railway guard.
Employees and consultants and advisors were hired on criteria other than merit.
Candidates with with questionable background were accommodated, especially at senior positions with decision making powers.
Chairman approached Government for an additional Rs. 900 crore in August 2010 when there was no need for additional funds.
The Organising Committee kept misrepresenting a revenue neutral position to justify extravagant spending.
Chairman spent Rs. 5.06 crores on a reckless exercise of patronage to send people unrelated with sports to the Bejing Olympics on a pleasure trip.
Consultants, including Shashi Tharoor, were hired at terms dictated by them.
Contract for timer board issued by Lalit Bhanot's office without informing technology consultant or technology head.
Chairman kept the Executive Board in the dark about detrimental aspects of SMAM contracts.
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