Govt clips Kalmadi's wings,committee to oversee Commonwealth Games

CHAIRMAN OF Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Suresh Kalmadi received another jolt  yesterday. In a move to clip his wings, the government has decided to form a committee of senior bureaucrats to look after the preparation of games venues designated for the upcoming mega sporting event. The Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in the national capital, New Delhi from October 3, 2010.
Of late government has been receiving flak from many quarters expressing concern over the  readiness of venues and rampaging corruption. The committee of bureaucrats is headed by cabinet secretary, KM Chandrasekhar. The committee has appointed senior bureaucrats of the rank of joint and additional secretaries to administer and oversee the progress of the construction work of different venues.

Each of the bureaucrats has been assigned individual responsibility of one venue/stadium. They have been asked to make sure that all the work related to the preparation of venues completes on time as per the new deadline set for the purpose. These bureaucrats will directly report to the cabinet secretary.         
Sensing the gravity of the situation, the government recently formed a group of ministers to supervise all the work related to CWG. The GoM is headed by Union Minister for Urban Development, Jaipal Reddy. The GoM reports to PMO on all issues related to the preparation of CWG.               
In a recent meeting convened to take stock of the preparation of Commonwealth Games, both prime minister, Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi have said that India’s prestige is at stake and all steps should be taken to ensure its success. Prime minister Singh is also likely to visit some of the venues next week.
The formation of committee of senior bureaucrats by the government is seen by many as a step to clip the wings of Kalmadi further and reduce his clout.  The whistle has already started blowing swiftly. Whether Kalmadi leaves his chair on his own will or will he be sacked is a big question now. Let’s wait and watch.

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