Group of Ministers to monitor Commonwealth Games preparations
4 Dec 2008, 1840 Hrs

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New Delhi, Dec.4 The Central Government has constituted a Group of Ministers (GOM) to ensure that preparations for Commonwealth Games progresses as per schedule.

"The Group of Ministers will report back to the Cabinet about the status of preparation of the Commonwealth Games within two weeks," Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal said here on Thursday.

The Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi from October 3-14, 2010. Seventy one countries are expected to take part in the mega event.

"Adequate security measures are being taken for the smooth conduct of the event," Sibal said.

However, Sibal admitted that there is a huge shortage of hotel facilities and accommodations. Steps are being taken to meet the target, he added.

Total of 30,000 rooms will be needed to cater to the needs of the games.

It was also decided by the Cabinet that amendments would be made in the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to promote free legal aid to the senior citizens, dependents of Defence, Para Military Forces and Police Personnel who died in action and victims of terrorists/ extremist's violence and riots.

The amendment bill will be introduced in the upcoming session of Parliament.

The Government also gave its nod to restructure Konkan Railways in a bid to make it financially self sufficient. (ANI)