The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has recommended an inquiry in the renovation of the India House in London as the works award was given without approval of the Ministry of External Affairs.
According to a CAG report tabled in the Parliament, the High Commission of India, London undertook work relating to renovation of the basement at the India House, at a cost of GBP 744,971 (approx. Rs 6.63 crore), without prior approval from the Ministry of External Affairs and resorted to irregular splitting of works to evade approvals from higher authority and open bidding.
“It adopted a grossly manipulated process for award of works to the same person, and made post facto additions and alterations in the scope of work which led to undue benefits being extended to Contractors. Such blatant subversion of rules and processes indicates supervisory failure and possible collusion between Mission officials and the agencies”.