Punish those found guilty of CWG irregularities, says PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday directed officials to carry out thorough investigations into all complaints of irregularities in the preparations for the Commonwealth Games and punish those found guilty.


"The prime minister directed the concerned ministries to conduct thorough investigations into all the complaints that have been received of procedural and other irregularities," a statement said. "He said that those found guilty should face severe and exemplary punishment," it said.



The prime minister held a high-level meeting Saturday that was attended by union Sports Minister M S Gill, Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit besides other senior officials.

The meeting was called to discuss ways of damage control over the controversies surrounding the Commonwealth Games and to ensure the event's smooth conduct Oct 3-14 in the national capital.

The Indian PM also directed officials to complete all pending works related to the Commonwealth Games expeditiously in a time-bound manner.

An elderly pedestrian with an artificial leg walks past a countdown clock in New Delhi indicating 50 days before the start of the Commonwealth Games 2010 on Saturday. PIC/AFP

"The prime minister directed the ministries concerned, the government of the national capital and the Organising Committee to complete all pending works expeditiously/ All the facilities must meet international standards," he said.

Singh said the "eyes of the world" were on India for hosting the prestigious Commonwealth Games and described the sporting event as an occasion to celebrate "sporting excellence and spirit of kinship".

Eyes on India

"The eyes of the world are on the country as we conduct this prestigious event. The Commonwealth Games is an occasion not only to celebrate sporting excellence but also the spirit of kinship and camaraderie among the Commonwealth fraternity," said the prime minister.

"India will have an opportunity to present its culture, its achievements, its warm hospitality and its organisational capabilities to the world," he added.u00a0 He also emphasized that it was "very important that as a country, the people work together."

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