Graft allegations in Games projects to be examined: Reddy

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 08:37 PM

New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS) Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy, who heads the Group of Ministers overseeing the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, said the government would 'seriously look into' the allegations of corruption in the construction projects of the Oct 3-14 Games.

A Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report has pointed towards financial irregularities, poor quality of work and fake certificates being granted.

'The CVC has made preliminary remarks. I assure that nobody would be spared. We will seriously look into it,' Reddy said after inaugurating of the Weightlifting venue at the JawaharLal Nehru Stadium complex here Sunday.

Reddy, however, said there is nothing to worry about.

'The Group of Ministers meets every week and looks at every aspect of the Games. I welcome the criticism but at times people exaggerate small issues. I appeal to the media to point out facts and shortcomings so that these can be set right. There is nothing to worry about,' he said.

'This is the last lap of the race. These are inevitable problems and were faced even during the Beijing Olympics. We must not underplay our achievements.'

About the venue, Reddy said: 'This is not only for weightlifting. This is the largest auditorium in Delhi and we can have other events here as well. The money spent for CWG is not meant for the Games alone. The stadiums can be used later.'

The auditorium, with a seating capacity of more than 2,100, will be used as a convention center cum opera house during the legacy period.

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