CWG corruption: No time for GoM to discuss HLC probe reports?

The panel has met only four times since its formation in 2011 and is yet to submit its final report

A Group of Ministers (GoM) mandated to look into alleged irregularities in Commonwealth Games related projects on the basis of the findings of High Level Committee (HLC) met only four times since its formation in 2011 and is yet to submit its final report.

The GoM, headed by Defence Minister A K Antony, was formed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 2, 2011. It was formed to decide on six reports on CWG scam submitted to Prime Minister's Office by the HLC, headed by former CAG V K Shunglu.

The GoM, which was told to submit its report within three months time, could hold only four meetings on August 16, 2011, September 6 and 27, 2011 and January 16, 2012, according to an RTI reply.

The tenure of the panel was also extended on many occasions. Finally on July 17, 2012, the government removed any time limit to submit its report. "The GoM will remain functional till completion of the assigned mandate," according to the government's order.

The government denied to give minutes of the meeting of the GoM citing an exemption clause of the RTI Act.

"It is informed that since the matter before the GoM is not yet complete or over, the information asked for by you cannot be furnished at this stage of time in the light of provisions of Section 8 (1) (i) of the RTI Act," the Sports Ministry said in reply to the RTI query.

The section bars disclosure of information of cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the council of ministers, secretaries and other officers.

The next date of meeting for the GoM was "not decided".