A lot of brain-storming is happening on this topic since past few months. After watching the spectacular inauguration ceremony, the hype and hoopla seems to be settled down. There is no doubt that the astonishing display of India's culture and progress during the inauguration ceremony was breathtaking. But at the same time, it is difficult to forget the unfortunate events that have happened during the preparation. Even if one agrees to the fact that organizing such big scale events is always difficult, what have happened during the preparation of CWG is certainly not acceptable.
It was in November, 2003 that India won the bid for 2010 Commonwealth Games and Delhi was declared as the host city. Indian Olympic Association organized a study tour for senior officials to Sydney, Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur, to learn from their experience. We had almost 6-7 years in hand for preparation. In spite of this, what we showed to the world that we Indians are unorganized, corrupt and incapable of executing big projects. This is what most of the world think about India. We had got one opportunity to prove them wrong, but wasted it due to poor planning. Supporters of CWG say that the things were not as bad as media has showcased. I do not think that the media is a culprit here. After all, the smoke is where the fire is.
India has made significant progress in past few years. But still we lack basic infrastructure like roads and bridges in major part of the country. The status is the same for education and health care. Electricity and telecommunication is still a luxury. Our children are dying due to malnutrition. Our farmers are committing suicides. Our cities are struggling to cope up with the ever increasing flow of migrants from rural areas. Many children have to stop their studies because there is no facility for higher education nearby and there is no transport available to commute to the place where it is available.
Can’t the government be as enthusiastic in solving these problems as it was in organizing CWG? CWG has its own benefits. But are these benefits going to be transferred to the deprived in this country? If the huge amount of funds that have been used for CWG, been used for providing health care or education facilities for the people in remote areas, we tax payers would have been happy.
Unless and until the infrastructure is developed, the needs of the needy are addressed to best possible level, India will not be ready for events like CWG.