New Delhi, Aug 21: The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee wants Indian armed forces to contribute to a successful conduct of Games "free of cost".

The SOS from the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee says 'help us, work for us but please don't ask for money from us.'

CNN-IBN has a copy of a letter written by Urban Development Minister and Chairman of the Group of Ministers for the Games Jaipal Reddy to Defence Minister AK Antony asking for free accommodation for artistes who will perform during the Games.

The Minister's intervention comes after the Indian Army raised a total bill of over Rs 11 crore for its services to the Organising Committee.

"I will be happy if the Army could do all this without any cost," says Reddy.

"I must mention that all other agencies of the government have willingly provided facilities to conduct the Games and it would be incomplete without the participation of the members of the armed forces. Therefore I urge you to kindly ensure their full participation at "NO COST" to the OC," the letter says.

Financial mismanagement and self-interest have emerged as metabolic among those in charge of organising the Games. But this latest example bends even their record to a new low.

OneIndia News