NEW DELHI: Government today finalised the terms of reference for V K Shunglu Committee and gave it wide-ranging powers to go into alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of the Commonwealth Games.
Shantanu Consul, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, has been appointed as a member of the high-level committee (HLC) which will examine the "weaknesses in management, alleged misappropriation, irregularities, wasteful expenditure and wrongdoing in the conduct of the Games and recommend action."
The Prime Minister's Office approved the 10-point terms of reference for the panel which was set up on October 15 to probe allegations of corruption relating to the mega sporting event held from October 3 to 14.
The committee would examine 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, planning and execution of development projects related to the Games and contracts for service delivery, with reference to time, cost and quality.
It would also probe the issues relating to the effectiveness of the organisational structure and governance for organisation, preparation and conduct of the Games at all levels, including the Organising Committee and its key functional areas.
Weaknesses in management, alleged misappropriation, irregularities, wasteful expenditure and wrongdoing in the conduct of the Games, issues relating to financing the Games, including estimates of revenue and expenditure, coordination among various agencies involved in development of infrastructure and conduct of the Games would also be investigated by the panel.
Also under the scanner would be the role of international or national advisors/consultants/officials of the Organising Committee in conducting the Games.
The committee would also assess overall impact of the Games for the city's infrastructure, sports infrastructure and sports development, lessons learnt for the future, 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. .
The terms of reference said the CAG, CVC and other agencies will independently carry out their audit and investigations, in accordance with their respective mandates.
"All complaints referred to various agencies will be looked into and action taken immediately by the agency concerned," PMO statement said.
The Shunglu committee will recommend action on any matter that comes to its notice involving alleged misappropriation, irregularities, wasteful expenditure or wrongdoing.
Observing that the committee will submit its report within three months, the terms of reference said "it will decide its own procedures and mode of enquiry."
"All ministries and departments of central and state governments as well as agencies and organisations under their administrative control have been directed to extend their full cooperation and assistance to the committee in completing its assignment within this time," the PMO said.
The Ministry of Sports will extend administrative and logistic support to the committee which will function from Vigyan Bhawan.
The Shunglu panel will also consider any complaint from public, duly supported by documents, concerning the conduct of the Games.
"The committee will inform the members of the public regarding its availability to receive such complaints in due course," it added.
Former CAG Shunglu had on Saturday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to finalise the terms of reference.
Agencies like CAG and CVC have found alleged financial and administrative irregularities in the various projects undertaken by different government-run departments for the Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, Shunglu told PTI, "The committee will work as per the procedure and terms of reference decided by the government."
He said, "The aim of the committee is to reach a logical conclusion."
