New Delhi:
The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010 held their first meeting in New Delhi on Sunday to consider various aspects of the opening ceremony of the mega sporting event.
This came a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convened an emergency meeting to review the preparations for the Games.
The GoM voiced satisfaction over the pace of progress in preparations and also approved the theme song for the event composed by Oscar winner A R Rahman.
Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy, who heads the GoM, said there is no change in schedule and there should not be any concern over some delays in meeting deadlines.
The three-hour long meeting discussed the organisational details for the 11-day event starting in New Delhi on October 4 and discussed the broad contours of the opening ceremony.
When asked whether delays in meeting deadlines were a matter of concern, Reddy said, "There is no concern. Absolutely confident on state of preparedness (of Games)."
Asked whether significance should be attached to the meeting since it came a day after Singh had met him for the first time as GoM chief, Reddy said "We did take stock of various matters and are satisfied on pace of progress."
"Primarily the focus is on delivery of the Games and preparation of the various items required for the opening ceremony," Reddy had told reporters ahead of the meeting.
The others in the GoM include Sports Minister M S Gill, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi.
At Saturday's meeting convened by Singh, the GoM was empowered to take all decisions necessary for the smooth conduct of the Games and refer any matter that may require further consideration to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for a final decision.
Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar was also directed to liaise closely with the Group of Ministers to ensure "effective coordination" among all the authorities concerned.
The Cabinet will be briefed on the state of preparations on a weekly basis.
GoM APPROVES RAHMAN'S SONG
The GoM also heard the rendition of the theme song composed by A R Rahman at Sunday's meeting.
"We discussed the theme song among ourselves and A R Rahman, (Film Director) Shyam Benegal and (Producer) Bharat Bala. The GoM has approved the theme song in principle. It will be before public in another 10 days," Reddy said. He said some final touches have to be given to the song.
Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the beleaguered Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games, said "Everything is going well. I liked the song."
Sources said the idea was to ensure that the theme song becomes a sensation like Rahman's own 'Jai Ho' composed for the film "Slumdog Millionaire"and Soccer World Cup theme song 'Waka Waka'. (With PTI Inputs)