Attrition at all time high among Organising Committee staffers
Attrition at all time high among Organising Committee staffersThe cup of woes for the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games is overflowing. Deadlines, kickbacks, rains and now even those managing the affairs for the embattled Suresh Kalmadi-led panel have started to leave it in the lurch.
Tiger's lair: The headquarters of the Commonwealth Games Organising
Committee in New Delhi. Pic/mid dayOfficial sources in the Organising Committee have told MiD DAY that the attrition rate among staffers is at an all time high, as the panel is trying hard to get its act together after a spate of corruption charges were levelled against it.
"Attrition rate among Organising Committee staff has gone up to a staggering 35 per cent, the highest so far, and a very surprising figure when everyone in the committee is getting salary several times higher when compared to the other work places," sources said.
u00a0Top officials confirmed that they have been receiving resignation letters very frequently these days.
" Who would like to be part of the team where everyday a new scandal is being exposed? The feeling of being tainted is riding high on everybody's mind," said a senior official associated with the organisers.
Till June 2010, the attrition rate was only 12-15 per cent, which is very normal these days, say top officials. There is a 2,500-strongu00a0 workforce employed directly or indirectly with the Organising Committee which has its headquarters opposite the 18th century Jantar Mantar near Connaught Place.
"Nobody is talking about our problems. We are working without any holidays, seven days a week every month. Though packages are a bit high but everyone is worried about what he or she would do once the Games are over," said another top official.
Sources also blamed poor retention policy of the Organising Committee for this. "Wherever such big events are organised, a proper retention policy is formulated. Both Suresh Kalmadi, who is running the show and the government, are to be blamed for it. That is why people are leaving this place," said the official.
Security scare?
Highly-placed government sources have said that security drills at the Games venues might not be held, as the construction work at some of the sites is still on.
"At least 90 days are needed to coordinate and test security gadgets and systems at stadia. Instead, a 14-day dry run will take place," reports said.u00a0u00a0
At some of the venues, construction work is still going on and the company assigned to install the security devices cannot install the cameras and other devices unless it is compelted. After installation, the security agencies will not get enough time to conduct tests, sources said.
An Australian firm is reportedly scheduled to visit Delhi and assess the security of Games venues soon.
The Other SideLalit Bhanot , official spokesperson, Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games, could not be contacted despite several attempts.
Officials associated with the development told MiD DAY that as the Organising Committee is losing the workforce fast, it is affecting the work and also the morale of those who are still with it.
2,500 Staff strength of the Organising Committee
35 per cent Rate of attrition
