New Delhi: Commonwealth Game Federation chief Michael Fennell's thumbs up for the Games has failed to impress sponsors and done has done little to boost their confidence. The Power Grid Corporation has said it will not reconsider pulling out of the sponsorship deal.
The Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Friday said his ministry has asked PSUs to hold back sponsorship money totalling up to Rs 260 crore for the event.
Fennell finished his two-day inspection tour of the Games venues on Thursday and gave thumbs up to stadiums. But sounding a note of caution Fennell admitted that corruption allegations were a matter of concern and needs to be investigated. He said that the Government must investigate all corruption allegations and added that some work still needed to be done at the venues to make them fully ready for the Games that will take place in New Delhi from October 3 to 14.
The Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Friday said his ministry has asked PSUs to hold back sponsorship money totalling up to Rs 260 crore for the event.
Fennell finished his two-day inspection tour of the Games venues on Thursday and gave thumbs up to stadiums. But sounding a note of caution Fennell admitted that corruption allegations were a matter of concern and needs to be investigated. He said that the Government must investigate all corruption allegations and added that some work still needed to be done at the venues to make them fully ready for the Games that will take place in New Delhi from October 3 to 14.
"Corruption matters have been of a great concern to us. In the Federation we have never been associated with any kind of corruption. There is a need for Indian authorities to investigate corruption allegations. We request various departments to conduct investigations into corruption allegations. There is no room for corruption and corrupt people in Commonwealth," said Fennell while addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.
"There is still a lot of work especially finishing work has to be done. There are excellent stadiums but I am worried on finishing. This does not take much time, this takes some attitude. My advice to the Organising Committee is that they pay attention to organising the Games and not be distracted by other things," Fennell said.
Deshmukh’s direction to PSUs to withhold sponsorship funds about 10 days back, coincided with numerous instances of financial irregularities revealed by Central Vigilance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Corruption allegations against the CWG organising committee erupted with a Central Vigilance Commission report pointing out financial bungling in handing of construction and other contracts of the Games last month.
Earlier this month, three official of the CWG organising committee, TS Darbari (joint director general), Sanjay Mohindroo (deputy-director general) and M Jeychandran (treasurer), were sacked, along with the Australian firm SMAM.
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