Companies using diplomatic channels to get CWG dues: Maken

The government today said it was being pressurised through diplomatic channels by some companies, involved with organisation of the Commonwealth Games, to get their unpaid dues.

Terming the tactics as "unfair", Sports Minister Ajay Maken said the balance will be paid but they would wait for the clearance on such companies by the investigation agencies, probing the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the Games.

"Efforts are being made to put pressure through diplomatic channels. It's not fair. Companies not under the scanner have been paid money," Maken told reporters outside the Parliament without taking the names of the companies.

He said in cases, that are being investigated by the CBI and the Taxation authorities, payment will not be made till probe agencies clear them.

"We will not make payment because payment will be made only to companies on which we are 100 percent satisfied on their work," he said.

Early this year, four of Australia's biggest event management firms, including Spectak Productions and fireworks group Howard & Sons, had reportedly planned to slap a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the Commonwealth Games organisers for the recovery of their dues.

In the wake of those reports, Maken had directed the government nominees in the CWG organising committee to verify the unpaid dues and ensure that the payments are made within 10 days.

The payment issue had also figured prominently during external affairs minister S M Krishna's bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd in January.