Taking a cue from corporate houses, the Delhi Government's Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Delhi State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) has spent quite a fortune for booking a high-end corporate box in Feroz Shah Kotla stadium for seven Indian Premier league (IPl) matches.
The tax payers’ money is being splurged to appease powers to be and the families of bureaucrats and contractors. Strangely, the decision to book the corporate box was taken by the DSIIDC top brass without even informing the Government. Normally, big corporate houses buy corporate boxes in such matches to oblige their clients, further their business interests and also to build their image.
Top sources told The Pioneer that DSIIDC has spent Rs 22 lakh for corporate box to oblige their clients and families of bureaucrats, political class and contractors. On an average, it is spending over Rs 16,000 per seats for corporate box where high quality liquor, foods and snacks is served free of cost.
Insiders say that booking corporate box in such high-profile matches is taboo for any Government agencies. “It is unthinkable on the part of any Government agencies. Whether DSIIDC move will help to improve its image or not, but it has invited lot of criticism,” said insiders.
Industries Minister Haroon Yusuf, who holds the charge of DSIIDC, and top officials have refused to comment on this issue. It is noteworthy that the Excise Department, Delhi Police and political class get large number of VVIP passes for these matches at regular basis.
The Corporation whose primarily function is to sell liquor and maintain industrial areas did its own without informing the Government. Besides, the Corporation is involved in construction of low-cost housing, maintenance of common affluent plants in industrial areas, upgradation of roads and development of unauthorised colonies.
It is estimated that the Delhi Government has awarded work contracts worth over Rs 500-600 crore to it which is reportedly running behind schedule. The PSU has earned profit of Rs 123.52 crore in 2011-12.
It is noted that the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has rapped DSIIDC for slow pace of work of low-cost housing. “DSIIDC was given 14 projects of low-cost housing. The agency has invited tender for construction of 5,552 houses at Bapraulla. Only one bid was received,” it said. last year too, the DSIIDC management had bought corporate box tickets for IPl matches and the same was doled out to high and mighty.