Don’t ignore Shunglu panel recommendations: PM

The central government ministries will not be able to push the recommendations of Shunglu Committee on Commonwealth Games under the carpet without apprising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about it. They will have to convince him on why they don't agree with the recommendations.

The government order comes in wake of Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) rubbishing some of the recommendations of the committee saying it has overlooked the constraints.

"In case ministries or departments disagree with any of the high level committee recommendations, it should specifically be brought to the Prime Minister's notice before proceeding further," said a cabinet secretariat communiqué sent to the ministries on directions of the PM.

The PM has also asked the sports ministry to examine the fourth report of the Shunglu Committee related to corruption in construction of stadiums for the Games, irrespective of whether the executing agency was of the central or the state government, with a clear direction that no one should be spared of the wrongdoings.

"Department of sports may recommend action in matters in which such action is considered necessary," the communiqué said with regard to the fourth report.

The secretariat had already asked home ministry and urban development ministry to examine fifth and sixth report. The fourth report of the Shunglu panel on sports infrastructure had found huge corruption in construction and up-gradation of stadiums for the Games.

The cabinet secretariat has asked the sports ministry to examine the entire Shunglu Committee report and seek comments from respective executing agencies. The ministry has been given a fortnight to submit its recommendations for further action.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders demanded investigation of irregularities in developing city infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games by a special committee under direct monitoring of the Supreme Court.

Leader of the Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijay Kumar Malhotra said unless the case is investigated under direct supervision of the apex court it was unlikely that the truth about the Delhi government's role will ever come out.