A day after reviewing the situation and appointing a new group of Ministers to oversee preparations for the event, Singh took the high-profile opportunity to try to restore confidence, both at home and internationally, in the biggest event India has hosted since the 1982 Asian Games.

"The Commonwealth Games will start in Delhi after about one-and-a-half months," he said.

"This will be a proud moment for the whole country and especially for Delhi.

"I am convinced that all our countrymen will treat the Games as a national festival and will leave no stone unturned to make them a success.

"The successful organisation of Commonwealth Games would be another signal to the world that India is rapidly marching ahead with confidence."

The Ministers appointed by Singh will visit venues each week to monitor progress and ensure that contractors meet fresh deadlines as the Indian capital desperately tries to be ready for the Games opening on October 3.

Singh has also ordered the Ministers to conduct "thorough investigations" into all complaints that have been received about irregularities in building standards, loss of revenue, or overpayments in handing out contracts, particularly to international companies like Australia's Sports Marketing and Management and Britain's Fast Track. 

The move by Singh has been seen as a direct slight to the chairman of the Games Organising Committee, Suresh Kalmadi, who has faced increasingly vocal calls to resign amid the scandals swirling around the event.

Kalmadi, who has denied any wrongdoing and refused to step down, is a senior leader of Singh's ruling Congress party.

"The committee of secretaries will review implementation and it will have jurisdiction over matters relating to the Organising committee," a statement from the Prime Minister's office said.

"The Prime Minister further directed concerned Ministries to conduct thorough investigations into all the complaints that have been received of procedural and other irregularities.

"He said that those found guilty should face severe and exemplary punishment."

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