Delhi govt seeks more central funds for C’Wealth Games

Racing against time to complete all the projects linked to next year’s Commonwealth Games, Delhi Government has sought additional funds from the Centre to expedite work related to the mega sporting event.

“We have sought additional funds (from the Centre) as cost of several projects have escalated,” Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told reporters.

The Chief Minister, however, did not reveal how much money her government has sought from the Centre.

“We are hopeful of getting additional funds as we were told that there will be no shortage of money for any project related to the event,” she said.

Officials said the city Government’s revenue collection fell by over Rs 400 crore in the first four months of the current fiscal, prompting it to make a request to the Centre for additional funds.

The issue was learnt to have figured in the Cabinet meeting today which also discussed status of various ongoing projects related to the event.

At the meeting, Dikshit asked all her ministerial colleagues to put in all their efforts to ensure timely completion of all projects.

Delhi Government had reported a fall of over Rs 1,300 crore in tax revenue during the last fiscal also.

In view of the dip in tax collection, the Centre had granted a plan allocation of Rs 2,435.68 crore to it in the Union Budget, which was an increase of Rs 1,673 crore compared to last year.

The Delhi government, in its budget, had earmarked Rs.2,105 crore for 2009-10 for projects related to the Games.

Last week Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took stock of the ongoing projects at an hour-long meeting with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Union Sports Minister M S Gill.

Commonwealth Games Federation delegates last week inspected various facilities being developed for the event and expressed their satisfaction over the preparations.

With less than a year to go for the Delhi Games, the organisers and Delhi Government are running against time to complete all the infrastructure related to the event scheduled from 3rd to 14 October next year.