Exemplary punishment for CWG corruption: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday stepped in to rescue the Commonwealth Games by putting the Suresh Kalmadi-led Organizing Committee under the supervision of an Empowered Committee and authorizing a GoM to speed up decisions for the mega event.

The PM also promised "severe and exemplary" punishment of the corrupt and asked all ministries to investigate all complaints of irregularities in an effort to restore the people’s faith in the crisis-hit Games.

A statement issued by his office quoted Singh as telling participants of the review that the "eyes of the world were on the country as we conduct this prestigious event". Sources said that the full-scale probe pledged by the PM would have to wait till the Games are over.

The remedies offered by the PM are in line with what TOI suggested in a full-page report on August 13.

The review meeting was held after the Congress leadership took serious note on Friday of the embarrassment the Games threatened to become.

Although wary of taking over preparations at this stage and because of the rising perception of sleaze, the party leadership asked the PM to find a way to salvage the Games. The OC remains in charge but will have to contend with the committee of secretaries.

A statement issued by the PMO stressed that the committee will be empowered to exercise "jurisdiction over matters relating to the Organising Committee", signalling that from now on the Games may cease to be the exclusive domain of the Kalmadi Club. The statement stressed that the preparations would be "supervised directly" by a Group of Ministers which will meet regularly. Besides, a secretary-level officer in the Cabinet Secretariat is to review the situation on a daily basis with the OC.

While a direct takeover of the Games would have been a logistical nightmare at this late stage and an avoidable political risk, Kalmadi and Co. are very much under watch. The cabinet secretary has been told to liaise closely with the GoM.

The decision to closely review and even override if needed OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi’s functioning is significant as time for finishing touches at venues and installation and checking of systems ranging from furnishings, cabling to displays is running out. Similarly, fast-tracking of acquisition of equipment related to broadcast of the Games is required. PM Manmohan Singh seemed to acknowledge the huge credibility deficit dogging the Games when he told the review meeting at his residence that "it was important to gain public confidence by instilling order and carrying out effective supervision of the preparation works".

To address problems posed by multiple agencies and poor coordination, Singh asked the GoM headed by urban development minister S Jaipal Reddy to "meet immediately and frequently thereafter". The GoM, which is empowered to take all decisions crucial for the Games, has been directed to secure clearances, whenever necessary, from finance minister Pranab Mukherjee. The GoM will meet on Sunday.