Article first published as Commonwealth Games Likely to Affect India’s Economic Image on Technorati.
Delhi Commonwealth Games, 2010 is going to remain a big fiasco for third largest Asian economy, India after China and Japan. Political and financial corruption could remain a scar on the face of ability of India in conducting such big events.
There have been many reports coming in about corruption scandals surrounding CWG – 2010, well in advance for two months. But the government, especially the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh seemed completely unaware of what was up to regarding CWG arrangements.
The idea of conducting international events stems out from the wishes of the rulers to keep their country at spotlight for improving business, attracting tourists and finally contributing more for the growth of the country. It is surprising that the growth-figures-oriented Prime Minister has missed the link between CWG’s success and his aspirations for surpassing Chinese growth rate.
Many international news networks have expressed doubts whether India could make it. The doubts remained unsolved even as the date is just 3 days away. The government appointed ministerial body of three ministers only five days before the inaugural date, i.e. 3 October.
Image Blurring
Indian rulers are keen for not letting any spats like H-1B visa fee hike, outsourcing ban and restrictions on exports from the US side, to play spoilsport during the visit of the US President Mr. Barack Obama in November second week. However, they seem to forget how a failure or even a partial failure in conducting CWG is going to affect the Indian image on the economic front.
The rating agency Moody’s Analytics has already expressed concerns that the CWG image could deter foreign investment. At the Reuters India Investment Summit, the World Bank’s India head Roberto Zagha expressed his view on similar lines. He said, “I don’t think it matters, but it does show the organizational issue that India has to deal with.” He warned indirectly that the organizational abilities of India were at stake in conducting CWG – 2010 properly.
Missing Targets
India is somewhat notorious in missing its targets several issues. Be it GST (Goods and Services Tax), issuance of unique ID to its citizens, proper response to Kashmir struggle, reducing inflation, dependence on monsoon rains for inflation control and so on.
And, they have continued the similar fashion in conducting an international sports event CWG also. CWG organizers have warned the arriving sports men that the sports village complex would not be ready until Thursday, i.e. just two days before the inaugural event of CWG. One can argue it is just unacceptable to such a big sporting event.
Leaking ACs, Loose Fittings
The BBC News, Scotland has reported that it was invited to the CWG athletes’ village to observe the accommodation problems by the Scotland’s team. It has published photos of water leaking AC machines, balconies without railings and loosely fitted electrical wires online. Thought the team Scotland said it was largely satisfied with its area, it could not prevent the BBC from publishing adverse photos and comments online about CWG preparations.
Indian ruling class people lack minimum concerns about their people by whose vote they come to power. They largely disrespect the people and their rights. They consider them groups of sheep. They only consider commissions in issuing contracts, either domestic or abroad, after coming to power.
The same mindset has encroached upon the CWG. They have limited themselves to issuing contracts of building required infrastructure for the games event and have forgotten to see whether the works were going properly. As the partners in the commissions could be large in number (it generally happens in India), there could be little money left for the contractors to complete the works in time.
One can do nothing but hoping that Indian rulers may learn at least now, some lessons.
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