new delhi : Concerned over the tardy preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the government has set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) which will examine the status of projects and other aspects of the Games.

The matter was discussed at Thursday's meeting of the Union Cabinet which decided to set up the GoM.

Admitting that there was a major shortfall in construction of hotel rooms for the upcoming event, science and technology minister Kapil Sibal told reporters that the Cabinet had a detailed discussion on the status of the facilities available.

The GoM would comprise S Jaipal Reddy, Ambika Soni, M S Gill and Sibal himself. It would will report back to the Cabinet within two weeks. "There is an element of urgency and everything must be completed well before time," Sibal said.

Regarding the shortage of accommodation and hotel rooms, he said the GoM would examine how to meet this shortage. The government estimates that about 30,000 rooms would be required to meet the rush during the event. Residential accommodation would also be needed for foreign sports delegations.

The GoM would also discuss the issue of showcasing India and its cultural heritage at the opening and closing ceremonies as was done by China at the Olympics.

The Cabinet reviewed the progress of the works and directed all agencies concerned to ensure that there was no slip up in schedule. Sports minister MS Gill briefed the Cabinet about the steps taken to ensure that preparations for the Games progressed as per schedule. He said the ministry had set up a coordination committee to solve problems from time to time and this mechanism was working efficiently.

The Cabinet was told that work on all major projects was continuing apace and would be completed in time. Work on the Games Village was also on schedule and there was no stay order from the court on the construction work.

The 19th Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in Delhi from October 3-14, 2010. Athletes from 71 countries would take part in 17 disciplines.