Assam CM decides to step in with assurance

“A lot of unhealthy rumours are doing the rounds these days and we felt it necessary that the air is cleared once and for all,” a highly placed source in the organizing committee said.

The source also revealed that Gogoi will be accompanied by the Assam Power and Industry minister Pradyut Bordoloi and some Assam Olympic Association (AOA) office bearers. Meanwhile, efforts are also being made to bring in the Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi to also address the meet, the source added.

Secretary general (organization) of the National Games Organisation Committee VS Bhaskar said: “I want to make one thing clear, everything regarding the Games are moving in the right direction and we will have a very successful one,” he added.

ASV Prasad, director of the Indian Olympic Association, who was at Guwahati to take stock of the proceedings, said that when the Games were allotted to Guwahati he was apprehensive of its success but today, after seeing everything, he was surprised and very much impressed by work done by the state to make the Games a success.

“The hockey stadium is world class. And the Games Village reminded me of the Doha (Asian Games) Village. Though that was definitely on a higher scale, this Village too has all the facilities and it is very impressive,” he said.

When asked about the non arrival of some equipment, Prasad said: “Most equipment are already in place and, yes some of it is stuck up in Kolkata which will reach Guwahati any of these days and all venues will be ready on time.”

Dr Bawa, director of the Games Technical Conduct Committee of the IOA, who is at Guwahati to help the organizers, said: “So far 17 teams of more than 3500 athletes have sent in their entries by name which again is a very encouraging sign. Not only that, all 33 Olympic associations have confirmed their participation and 32 national sports federations have already sent the list of technical officials who will be officiating in the Games,” he added.
GRIEVANCES
• Gram pradhans pressurise teachers to record extra number of students to get more grains.
• District Magistrates or other officials do not give attention to the complaints of education officials
• Gram pradhans get the food cooked at their residence instead of schools
• Grains reaching schools are completely different from the Grade A grains provided by the Food Corporation of India at many places.

REDRESSAL
• Separate account for mid-day meal at gram panchayat level
• Panchayat Mitras in 22 districts to take charge where Gram pradhans are unable
• Appointment of coordinators at district and block level
• World Bank to evaluate scheme, dividing state into four regions.
• Separate computerised information system