Railways threatens to pull out as CWG sponsor

Indian Railways has withheld contribution of Rs 100 crore, asking the CWG OC to give a written undertaking that no amount out of its sponsorship donation would go to any outside agency as commission.

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: In yet another blow to the Delhi Commonwealth Games organizers, an English daily gas reported that Indian Railways has withheld contribution of Rs 100 crore, asking the Suresh Kalmadi-led Organistaion Committee to give a written undertaking that no amount out of its sponsorship donation would go to any outside agency as commission. Quoting sources, the English daily has reported that the railways was prompted to take this step after the OC refused to reveal the shareholding pattern of the Singapore subsidiary of the Melbourne-based Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM). A senior railway official said that it was critical to maintain 100% transparency given the reputation of agencies involved with CWG. "We have raised a query with the OC whether any part of our contribution would go to SMAM," he stated.Railways are the lead partner of the CWG 2010 and negotiations for payment of the sum agreed upon were in the final stages. Though the railway minister had made an announcement in her Budget speech, no amount was fixed.This move by the Railways, the lead partner of the CWG 2010, could lead to similar moves from other public sector donors, namely Central Bank, Air India and NTPC, which have promised to pay Rs 50 crore each.