It follows Kalmadi's repeated calls last week for Hooper to be replaced and sent home to London.

 

Preparations for the event in the Indian capital has been under even more intense scrutiny since CGF President Mike Fennell sent a letter last month demanding a meeting with the country's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to warn him that work needed to be speeded up.

 

Gill said: "Since the time Mike Fennell's letter was leaked, the Government has taken serious note of what the CGF president said.

 

"I had a meeting with him [Fennell] 10 days ago.

 

"We discussed the key issues he had raised and the most important was strengthening the managerial capabilities of the organising committee."

 

The Sports Minister said it was at the request of the organising committee that it was decided to appoint Jarnail Singh as the new chief executive for the 2010 Games, which are due to open on October 3, 2010.

 

Gill said: "Singh took over on Friday.

 

"He has a proven track record.

 

"He has studied in Harvard and has experience.

 

"In addition, three more key appointments are being made so that there is a smooth functioning.

 

"These appointments are being done at the highest level by the Government.

 

"We want to hold a Commonwealth Games the world will remember.

 

"We want it to be a success like the Asian Games of 1982."

 

The Indian Government have been caught off-guard by the row between Kalmadi and Hooper, Gill admitted.

 

He said: "When Fennell was here, we had a series of meetings at the highest level.

 

"I had briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the developments.

 

"Then I had given a directive to Kalmadi about the functioning.

 

"The line is now clear.

 

"We have the group of Ministers (GoM) which includes me, which will henceforth monitor the situation on a weekly basis and report to the PM.

 

"What really is the concern of the CGF officials is the management of the Games and that is where we are now fully focused.

 

"We will get ready in time, that is the assurance we want to give everyone concerned."

 

 

Related stories

October 2009: Hooper backed as outstanding chief executive by Fennell

October 2009: Hooper will not be sent home as Kalmadi alleges he has acted inappropriately
October 2009: Delhi 2010 calls for sacking of chief executive of CGF
October 2009: India holds emergency meeting to discuss Fennell criticism
October 2009: Kalmadi promises that New Delhi will stage memorable Commonwealth Games