GoM to meet over CWG row

NEW DELHI - The Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy on the Commonwealth Games will meet here today.

The GoM, which meets for the first time after the conclusion of the mega sporting event, is likely to focus on how the Organising Committee spent 1,600 crore rupees given by the Centre.

It is also likely to extend the terms of all officers sent on deputation to the Organising Committee, so that they are available while the probe into the OC’s conduct of the Games is on.

The GoM would look into aspects like work allocated to different government agencies, such as the Delhi Development Authority, and where they failed.

“The Games have been staged really successfully but all complaints or alleged irregularities regarding transactions by any agencies must be thoroughly looked into,” Reddy said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has set up a high-level committee headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) chief V K Shunglu to probe any misappropriation in organization of the Commonwealth Games.

The CAG will start the audit work of the Games Village from October 28 to probe allegations of financial irregularities.

According to sources, the CAG will also audit the accounts of the DDA and the expenditure incurred for building residential complexes inside the Village.

The audit process by CAG teams began in the middle of August. However, it was halted between September 24 and October 14 in view of the Games. (ANI)