Railways seek clarification on fund utilisation from OC

Amid allegation of large-scale irregularities regarding Commonwealth Games, Indian Railways, the lead partner in the event, on Wednesday made it clear that it would release the sponsorship fund only after getting certain clarifications from the CWG Organising Committee (OC).

Railways have pledged Rs 100 crore for the Games and an MoU is expected to be signed between the PSU behemoth and the Organising Committee shortly. Railways have reportedly asked the OC whether any part of its pledged fund would be used as commission. "Railways are concerned that the money is utilised properly and no part of it should be given to outsider or go as commission to any consultant," said a senior Railway official. The OC and railways are currently negotiating the MoU for the Railway sponsorship. The official said the Rs 100 crore sponsorship amount would not be paid in cash entirely as part of it would be paid in kind. Indian Railways is the biggest employer of sportsperson. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in her Budget speech has announced that Indian Railways would be a lead partner in the Commonwealth Games and Railways are committed to fulfil the announcement, the official said. Besides Railways, NTPC, Air India and Central Bank are other public sector units who have promised to pay Rs 50 crore each to OC as sponsorship money. NTPC is also believed to have sought some clarification before releasing its fund taking a cue from Railways.