PM to assure Parliament over action against corrupt games officials

Prime minister Manmohan Singh is expected to assure Parliament today that the government will take firm action against individuals and parties found guilty after party leader Sonia Gandhi urged the government leadership to take steps to insulate the Congress party from attacks over corruption in the Commonwealth Games preparations.

The Congress party, at its internal meetings, discussed the Commonwealth Games sleaze and has taken a clear position that those found swindling public funds would be proceeded against. The prime minister, who is expected to carry out the Congress party directive, is expected to tell Parliament on Monday that a thorough probe would be held into the Games deals after the event's conclusion.
 
Though a number of media reports have brought to light instances of corruption in the games preparations, the government has failed to initiate appropriate action. Sports minister MS Gill even went to the extent of asking those who have complaints against the Games organisers to resort to action under RTI provisions.

Many Congress party members feel that it could have avoided much embarrassment had the government intervened at the right time. While the government did nothing to ensure coordination among different agencies involved in the Games, it allowed Suresh Kalmadi to play a larger role.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the prime minister vested overriding powers in a cabinet secretary-led committee to oversee the Organising Committee functioning. A group of ministers (GoM ) was also empowered to take all necessary decisions for the smooth conduct of the sporting event and refer any matter likely to call for consideration to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee for a final decision.

Yesterday, the GoM discussed the details of the opening ceremony. "Primarily the focus was on delivery of the Games and preparation of the various items required for the opening ceremony," urban development minister and chairman of GoM S Jaipal Reddy told reporters.

Meanwhile, music director A R Rahman is learned to have made a presentation of his theme song for the Commonwealth Games at the GoM meeting chaired by urban development minister Jaipal Reddy. Additionally, a detailed presentation on the opening ceremony was also made.