Strict action will be taken against those involved in CWG malpractices: Gill

NEW DELHI - Union Sports Minister M S Gill on Thursday said the Central Government will take strict action against those found involved in malpractices during the conduct of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

“The government and the nation is worried over alleged reports of corruption in the Games project. The Central Vigilance Commission, who selected seven games sites, has said in its observations that the works have been awarded at higher rates, besides poor site management and quality compromises,” said Gill, replying to a volley of questions in the Rajya Sabha today.

“The Central Vigilance Commission also said that work has been allotted to non eligible companies and there are poor quality assurances. Many observations have been rectified,” he added.

Gill further informed the Rajya Sabha that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be visiting some of the 2010 Games sites next week to have on the spot assessment of the situation.

Earlier today, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said those found guilty of corruption in the upcoming Commonwealth Games will be punished once the event is over.

Earlier on August 14, Dr Singh directed the ministries concerned, the Government of the National Capital Region and the Organizing Committee that all pending works related to should be completed expeditiously and the facilities must meet international standards. e observed that there had been slippages in the time schedules of some of the construction works and deficiencies observed in some of the works.

Dr. Singh, while presiding over a high-level meeting meant to review the preparations for the 2010 Games sated that, in the run up to the Games, it was important to gain public confidence by instilling order and carrying out effective supervision of the preparation works.

During the meet, the Group of Ministers (GoM) set up for the Commonwealth Games headed by the Minister of Urban Development S. Jaipal Reddy was directed to meet immediately and frequently thereafter.

The Group was empowered to take all decisions necessary for the smooth conduct of the Games. The Group of Ministers will refer any matter that may require further consideration to the Finance Minister for a final decision.

The Cabinet Secretary was directed to liaise closely with the Group of Ministers to ensure effective coordination among all the concerned authorities.

The Committee of Secretaries headed by the Cabinet Secretary will continue to review implementation and it will have the status of an Empowered Committee.

It was directed that the Organizing Committee would take appropriate steps urgently to conclude all pending preparations.

Dr Singh urged all concerned to work single-mindedly so that the Games could be held in a manner the nation could be justifiably proud of. (ANI)