Lok Sabha Debates
The Minister Of Youth Affairs And Sports Laid A Statement Regarding Recently ... on 16 November, 2010
> Title: The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports laid a statement regarding recently concluded Commonwealth Games at New Delhi.
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. M.S. GILL): Madam, I beg to lay a statement on the recently concluded Commonwealth Games (CWG), 2010, at New Delhi.
The XIX Commonwealth Games have been organized successfully in Delhi. India, with its rich haul of medals, has emerged as a significant sporting nation in the world. Indian
Athletes have registered outstanding medal winning performance, even in those sports such as Gymnastics, Athletics, Swimming, etc. which have, traditionally, been poor performing Sports. Women athletes have recorded excellent performances.
The Commonwealth Games, were an occasion to celebrate sporting excellence. We got an opportunity to present our culture, our capabilities, and, warm hospitality to the whole world. The Sports and other Venues, have been acclaimed as among the best in the world. The Games have left behind, a lasting legacy for Sports, strengthened the sporting culture in the nation, and given us hope and inspiration, for greater successes in the future.
It is gratifying that both Houses of Parliament have acknowledged and expressed their appreciation for the achievements of our young sportspersons.
The achievements have been made possible through the Scheme Preparation for Indian Team for Commonwealth Games, 2010, In approving this Scheme in June 2008, our Government had the foresight to recognize the importance of specialized training for improving the performance of our sportspersons, and, enhanced the budget allocation from the existing Rs. 40 crores to Rs. 678 crores. The Scheme was implemented for about two-and-a-half years prior to the CWG-Delhi 2010. Under the Scheme, 1200 sportspersons were provided intensive training of 305 days in a year with 75 days of training and exposure to international competitions abroad and high quality coaching with scientific and medical back up in various disciplines.
The results of this Scheme have been excellent, with India winning 101 Medals including 38 Gold Medals, the highest ever in any major international Sporting Event. The number of medals won, were more than double the medals, India had won in the last Commonwealth Games. India stood second in the Medal Tally, after Australia, and, ahead of other major sporting nations such as England, Canada and South Africa.
The total approved outlay for CWG, 2010 was of Rs. 11687. 25 crores, including an amount of Rs. 351.48 crores, for the Commonwealth Youth Games held in Pune in 2008.
The Games were held in 18 disciplines, at 17 Competition venues. Construction of the Games village was undertaken by DDA/M/o UD. Training and Competition venues, around the city of Delhi, were financed and implemented, by various agencies such as SAI, the DDA, GNCTD, the NDMC, Universities of Delhi and Jamia Milia. The Government of Delhi, had also undertaken several City Improvement/ Sports Infrastructure projects for the Games, from its own Plan funds.
12 major stadia, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium, S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex, were completed in good time and have won praise from all.
However, close to the date of commencement of the Games there were instances of difficulties, with the final stages of completion and Games readiness in the Games Village, and the accidental collapse of a foot overbridge near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, that were, however, overcome well in time.
In view of reports regarding shortcomings in final completion deadlines and various deficiencies, the Prime Minister reviewed the preparations for the Games in a high level meeting held on 14th August, 2010 with the members of the Group of Ministers set up for overseeing CWG, 2010. Several key decisions were taken, including close monitoring at the level of Cabinet Secretary, who would liaise with Group of Ministers to ensure effective coordination amongst all agencies. All pending works would be expeditiously completed through time bound action plans and carry out a quality audit of the completed facilities. Finally all the concerned Ministries and agencies were asked to .conduct thorough investigations into all complaints that had been received, and, those found guilty, should face severe and exemplary punishment.
Madam, the government is well aware that a number of concerns have been raised regarding CWG, 2010. These include,
(i) allegations of corruption in the conduct of the Games, misappropriation of funds, mismanagement, wasteful expenditure and wrongdoing related to the Games,
(ii) delay in completion of sports and city infrastructure projects,
(iii) defects in quality of construction, poor site management and escalation of costs, and
(iv) accidents during the construction of CWG related projects; and
(v) steps taken by the Govt. to punish the guilty, During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Government had assured the House that irregularities will be enquired into and the guilty punished.
A High Level Committee (HLC) headed by Shri V.K. Shunglu has been constituted on 25.10.2010. It is to submit its report in three months.
(i) the role and responsibilities of the signatories to the Host City Contract and the overall implications of the obligations entered into through the Host City Contract;
(ii) the planning and execution of development projects related to the Games, and, contracts for service delivery, with reference to time, cost and quality;
(iii) the issues relating to the effectiveness of the organizational structure and governance for organization, preparation and conduct of the Games at all levels, including the Organizing Committee and its Key Functional Areas;
(iv) examination of weaknesses in management, alleged misappropriation, irregularities, wasteful expenditure and wrongdoing in the conduct of the Games, and, recommending action on the same;
(v) the issues relating to financing the Games, including estimates of revenue and expenditure;
(vi) the issues concerning coordination between various agencies involved in the development of infrastructure and conduct of the Games;
(vii) the role of international/national advisors/consultants/ officials of Organizing Committee in the conduct of the Games;
(viii) the overall impact of the Games including legacy for city infrastructure, sports infrastructure and sports development;
(ix) the lessons learnt for the future, on each of the above, including establishment of a mechanism for laying down timeframes and effective monitoring, creation of a legally sustainable framework for hosting similar international sporting events, appropriate financial management and internal audit, media interaction and communication etc.;
At the same time, the Comptroller & Auditor General of India has started auditing all Games related projects and the expenditure of the OC. It plans to complete this exercise within three months and present a draft report by the first week of January, 2011, The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is examining various complaints received regarding the Games. Other agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax authorities are investigating alleged irregularities.
As would be evident, we have taken several steps to address the concerns. I reiterate that all irregularities will be examined and the guilty will not be spared. I would like to assure this august House that we will carefully take on board the recommendations of the Shunglu Committee, the CAG, the CVC etc. before agreeing to host similar international sporting events.
I seek the support of this august House for these measures.
… (Interruptions)