CWG projects under CVC scanner

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is examining all construction works related to Commonwealth Games (CWG) following complaints alleging large scale corruption in purchases.

Official sources said the Commission has asked all its vigilance officials posted with agencies concerned to "double check" the procedures involved in the procurment and other aspects of the projects.

The decision comes following complaints alleging discrepancies in the work being undertaken by the civic agencies like Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Development Authority and Central Public Works Development among others.

The complainants have alleged since many projects were running beyond their schedule there were chances of corruption while completing these projects on time.

"We have received some complaints regarding alleged corruption in Commonwealth Games projects. As a preventive measure, we have directed all our Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in all the departments to be cautious and ensure transparency in the process," a CVC official, who did not wish to be identified, said.

The Commission has issued a circular asking all departments and organisations to use e-tendering system and leverage technology (latest software for accounts, manpower and logistics-related work) to keep out corruption and prevent any misuse.

The probity watchdog, CVC, is mandated to advise and guide central government agencies to draft and implement different measures to check corruption in government offices, departments and Public Sector Units (PSUs).

The CVC has decided to involve non-government organisations (NGOs) to check corruption.

In its performance report for December, the CVC advised imposition of major penalty proceedings against 70 officials, including 20 of public sector banks, 17 from Railways, 11 from Northern Coalfields, four from Western Coalfields and two from Ministry of Home Affairs, among others for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices.

The CVC has disposed of 468 cases during December 2009 referred to it for advice and made recoveries to the tune of Rs 68.63 crore after conducting technical examination of certain departments.