TODAY -

Commonwealth games and the aftermath

Ramananda Nongmeikapam *



Finally, the much awaited Commonwealth Games are over and India has bagged second in the medal tally. In fact it is a matter of pride for every citizen of the country. Though the eve of the games witnessed much criticism by various nations, the opening of the Games was appreciated by millions. Also, 12 days game went with lots of excitement. Yes, India has done really very well in the field of sports too.

But the aftermath of the Commonwealth Games has shown the ugly face of India with large scale corruption at almost every stage of the preparation for the game. It has also sent shock waves across the country and the globe as a whole. We don't really have any objection on spending Rs 70000 crore in the Game.

But we are concerned about diversion of fund that has made the whole world know that the country is flooded with corruption. One question arises every now and then, whether or not India has utilized the whole amount for the game. The answer is a big NO, 99 per cent of the people of India will utter this word "NO" instantly.

It will not be out of place to mention here that, Melbourne Common Wealth Games 2006 spent Rs 5000 crore. Also, the China government spent only Rs 28000 crore to host the world's largest sporting event Olympics 2008. Of course, India has to spend a lot in building the infrastructure, but the amount sanctioned does not correspond to the output.

It is also worth mentioning that, Beijing Olympics and Melbourne Commonwealth Games were equally good as India had hosted CWG 2010 no matter how much amount it spent. It does not really mean that India spending Rs 70000 crore, has hosted better that China and Australia did. There is no iota of doubt that Rs 70000 was not wholly spent at all.

Conducting CWG 2010 to the grandiest extent is in fact a great thing. It is a matter of fact that the output was good but the internal mechanism turned out to be flawed. I would like to quote Mr Jaipal Reddy saying, "If you furnish and paint your house before your daughter's wedding, then the money spent on that cannot be said to be part of the dowry."

He meant conducting the Games would naturally develop infrastructure and make Delhi a world class city. But please remember, Indian society is characterized by poverty, unemployment, wide spread presence of slums, inequality in terms of magnitude of development, income, level of access to basic amenities etc. Giving over emphasis on development of infrastructure of Metro Cities will only worsen the social and economic condition of the country.

India may be proud to be one of the fastest growing economies of the world. But economy is not the only parameter to measure the welfare and development level of the citizen. India ranks 127th in HDI reported in Human Development report 2005 by United Nation's Development Programme(UNDP). Economically weak countries like Sri Lanka, Phillipines have higher HDI rank than that of India.

Yes, I would say India has done a good thing hosting the world sporting event. India has accomplished commendable achievements in many fields be it business, cinema, space research, science & technology etc. Sports have been coupled with human beings since the establishment of human society in some way or the other. Therefore, it is utmost important for the citizens of the country to contribute a bit in the field of sports too.

There is also one good point in hosting CWG 2010. Millions of people were strongly involved in the game. It has also proved that Cricket is not the only game of India, there are many such games where one can focus. Therefore, the monopoly of cricket in India would be tarnished to some extent.

On one side, it is notable that India does not spend a good amount of money in social sectors. For a society to be equally developed , there must be equal spending of money in every sector. And if required, sectors which are considered backward should be emphasized by spending additional money. In fact, India spends unnecessarily in procuring weapons, cricket (e.g. IPL) and other luxurious activities which follow a track that never meets with that of activities relating to social needs.

There are many welfare schemes existing in India. Though many of them are successful there are many too which ended in the midway. The government must focus on why these schemes are not successful; they must look after it through a transparent and efficient mechanism. The intended beneficiaries are not actually benefitted at large.

Sufficient amount must be funded to various poverty alleviation schemes, employment generation programmes , health care, food security and other activities relating environmental issues.There are over 260 million persons below poverty line, food inflation is always in alarming situation. Large number of farmer tends to commit suicide due to failure of crops because of lack of rainfall. Malnutrition and infant mortality rate have always been a social menace.

I would say the society at large was not benefitted by the amount spent for CWG and developing infrastructures. The amount must have been reduced to a level that would develop sufficient infrastructures on one side and improvement of social sectors by spending the rest of the amount reasonably.

To conclude, it is learnt that the amount sanctioned for CWG 2010 was too much in a country like India. Further, the sanctioned amount was not fully utilized. For those who say India should not have hosted the CWG 2010, a message to them is that India has not made a mistake hosting it.

It will be prudent to say India must host world sporting events keeping in mind the rampant social and economic backwardness. Let's learn a lesson from this and let's act on this. Let's be responsible citizens of the country.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. "
- John F Kennedy


* Ramananda Nongmeikapam (a resident of Imphal, Manipur) contributes this article to e-pao.net . The sender can be contacted at ramananda_nk(at)yahoo(dot)com
This article was webcasted on November 11, 2010.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Credible show of the students
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Khongjom Day - April 23 #1 : Gallery
  • Thang Ta finds new energy amid peace
  • Tawang: Geostrategic importance for India
  • Thadou appeal for community understanding
  • Census 2001 & delimitation in Manipur
  • Condemns Pahalgam Terror- Calls for Action
  • Failing to read & control situation
  • Visible efforts essential for public trust
  • MK Binodini Devi's short story 'Tune'
  • Prof Moirangthem Marjit chairs SETSM, Hanoi
  • Will the two Asian giants always be in Rivalry?
  • Rebellion surfaces in rebel group NSCN-IM
  • Child Labour :: Poem
  • Pharmaceutical Waste: Threat to public health
  • Call for delimitation, NRC : Check illegal
  • Death knell for noble healthcare schemes
  • 175th Anniv- Maharaj Narasingh #2 : Gallery
  • World Earth Day : Gallery
  • Understand Suicide & Mental Health Support
  • Manipur champion @ Natl School Games
  • World Earth Day celebrated at MTU
  • The Earth Day 2025: Our power, our planet
  • How long will PR continue ?
  • Eviction drive need of the hour
  • Tamnalai : World Theater Day #1: Gallery
  • Chumthang Makhong : Play Synopsis
  • The demands of village volunteers
  • Missing you :: Poem
  • AI offers hope for beekeepers battling pest
  • Rural women, climate shock: Beijing report
  • From March 8, 2025 to April 22, 2025
  • Boosting morale of job seekers
  • Radio E-pao: 5 new songs added ...
  • The Power of Confident Communication
  • 2nd State Level Soccer Futsal Championship
  • April 21: National Public Relations Day
  • The resurrection of Jesus & its impact
  • Bhalla saab solution kithe ?
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • JNIMS turned into a dumping site
  • Sub-par work as centre vows US-level roads
  • Cheiraoba by Manipuri in Korea : Gallery
  • Kallakchei, Hungchor, Gainilung : eMing
  • Sri Lanka "Ayubowan" lasting impression
  • GoI must prepare to handle post-Muivah
  • Vice President felicitated Mughavi Tuccu
  • The Power of Poppy - 77 :: Poem
  • Rabies outbreak in Manipur
  • Athoubashinggi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Pangolin & fight against Climate Change
  • Condemn violent assault against Konsakhul
  • Spring's symphony in my farmhouse :: Poem
  • National Conference on Elderly at RGU
  • The corruption & materialism of Judas
  • Manipur under PR for over 2 months
  • Bid to form government amid public scrutiny
  • 175th Anniv- Maharaj Narasingh #1 : Gallery
  • AI & technology in Manipur's agriculture
  • 4 Manipur players in Indian Women's Hockey
  • Gender justice & health equity are linked but ...
  • Digital marketing: Oxygen of modern business
  • Spring fruits that boost collagen in your body
  • Pot holed roads & others: Surviving Manipur
  • Frustration over centre failure to resolve crisis
  • Pichakari @Govindajee Temple #2 : Gallery
  • Poshan Pakhwada @ MU : Gallery
  • Startup Surge Manipur: Startup Venture Fund
  • My messy room :: Poem
  • Why WAQF Act, 2025 is unconstitutional
  • Emerging politics at play
  • National Fire Service Week
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #2 : Gallery
  • Cheiraoba in South Korea
  • Festival of Maram Achouba Khoushaba
  • The Hidden Strength in Falling Short
  • World Health Day 2025 & our Environment
  • Career after marriage: Flight or confusion?
  • Ban on SUP has come into force
  • Preying on abandoned houses
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Climate Change : Spring revival in Ukhrul
  • Merger Agreement: Meaningless paper ?
  • Yaingang in sunscreens
  • Will all children be born free of HIV by 2030 ?
  • Athoubashinggi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Day 4 : Yaoshang Sports #1 : Gallery
  • Narendra Ningomba - 'Iboyaima Award 2025'
  • Naga leaders Isak Sumi & Tikhak expound
  • Parrotisation in post-colonial intellectualism
  • Call me Burma :: Poem
  • Claim the crown if you have 30 !
  • Marching towards the 2 year mark
  • Train service vow amid fear over migrants
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @Chinga : Gallery
  • Why words matter in Manipur
  • Appeal for a Way Forward in Manipur
  • Birth Anniv of BR Ambedkar at MU
  • Final Call : Phase-2 of MFA 2024-25
  • The Power of Poppy - 76 :: Poem
  • Astronauts as a Career Choice
  • 16th Annual Art Exhibition #1: Gallery
  • Classic FA's Inspirational Journey in RFDL
  • Shifting weather patterns driving dengue cases
  • Early Childhood Caries: Public health concern
  • Lord Ramacandra's glorious examples
  • Media, women, & sensationalism
  • Cocking a snook at Delhi meet
  • Lobbying for preferred place of posting
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • Privileges & Safeguards for STs of Manipur
  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Ode to Peace :: Poem
  • Entries for 17th Manipur State Film Awards
  • Makeup tips to illuminate your look this spring
  • AI-based drones to revolutionise agriculture
  • Of shabby & pot holed roads: Defining Imphal
  • Mizoram feeling heat of sheltering refugees
  • The last ember glows : Will we let it burn ?
  • Business Idea Competition @ Manipur Univ
  • 1/2 of women cant make decision on health
  • 2nd State Level Soccer Futsal Championship
  • The life of Mahavir Bhagwan
  • 'Yummy Talent Fest' at Shillong
  • Another ban on single use plastic
  • Reasons for dissent against AFSPA
  • Mei Loukhatpa @Laipubam : Gallery
  • RK Bidur : Honouring a legacy
  • Appreciates peace dialogue at Delhi
  • Sigiriya : Sri Lanka's top tourist attraction
  • Mami Numit & Foundation Day SN Chand
  • Study Tour to Sikkim & Darjeeling
  • Mum on pre-conditions at Delhi
  • Tension over land disputes amid ethnic feud
  • Indigenous People's Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Jugeshwar Kshetrimayum: Martial Art Champ
  • Delimitation based on Census 2001 - II
  • Defending Our Faith, Our Lands, Our Rights
  • Tariffs: Time for Manipur to Rethink Its Future
  • Is deliverance always proportional to faith ?
  • 3rd AGM of Madhurupa Cancer Society
  • Phamba Challadi Hippa Challi
  • BJP on the back foot
  • Yaoshang Halankar #1 : Gallery
  • Condemns heinous incident at Konsakhul
  • Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Concluded
  • World Health Day 2025
  • Living in Zone-V: The vulnerability
  • Solidarity with Myanmar Earthquake Victims
  • Career in sports can be rewarding
  • After Delhi meet of April 5, what next ?
  • Multiple rounds of tripartite talks inevitable
  • Pot Lannaba : Mera Houchongba #2 : Gallery
  • Delimitation : Why NRC must precede
  • Manipur tourism - insights from Sri Lanka
  • Mathematics as most useful & easiest subject
  • 10 Habits That Will Make You Unstoppable
  • The Power of Poppy - 75 :: Poem
  • Freedom of authorship Vs editorial policy
  • 3-language study model that aligns with NEP
  • Observance of World Aquatic Animal Day
  • World Autism Awareness Day 2025
  • Upliftment of Langmei Hr Secondary School
  • Setting pre-conditions for Delhi talk
  • Cong leaders note menace of drugs, influx
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #3 : Gallery
  • CAU produces hygienic Hawaijar maker
  • Delimitation based on Census 2001 #1
  • Is long HIV treatment good as daily pills ?
  • Sunburn : EDM festival at Shillong
  • Boost your skin with spring fruits
  • 23 months on and Delhi still lost !
  • Growing pitch for NRC
  • Thabal Chongba reclaims its cultural soul
  • Caregiver burden of raising an Autistic child
  • Supreme Court Judges visit : Gallery
  • Manipur: Champion 21st Natl Mountain Biking
  • Solution to water crisis
  • The Eternal I
  • Setting pre-conditions for talks
  • AFSPA expanded in 'peaceful' valley
  • Id-ul-Fitr @ Yairipok, Kshetrigao : Gallery
  • NRC before Delimitation in Manipur
  • Zeilad Lake : A common heritage
  • Right to safe abortion cannot be dislocated
  • World Theater Day
  • The shackles of ideas in digital India
  • The stand against delimitation
  • Myanmar earthquakes & vulnerable Northeast
  • Shortcomings - Delimitation in Manipur
  • "Tulsi Nonglik" at CAU, Lamphelpat
  • The Power of Preparation
  • Catherine Soyamphi: Turn waste into wealth
  • 'Common Platform' and 'Common Draft'
  • The Wounded Mercenary :: Poem
  • Mohan and Modi in Nagpur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • 27th PANE Foundation Day
  • MoU with Nittur IAS Academy
  • Sleep State Impasse : A mass digital disorder
  • TIM to attend Hun Thadou Cultural Fest
  • First-ever ABH-incompatible Kidney transplant
  • Yaoshang Sports @ Kwakeithel #2 : Gallery
  • April Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Tamnalai :: Play Synopsis
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba- Meitei New Year Day: Book
  • Rise of AI: Story of future, dreams & nightmare
  • Funding crisis into opportunity to end TB
  • The Power of Poppy - 74 :: Poem
  • Saroi Khangba @ Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Women's Rights in Manipur
  • A review of In Xanadu: A Quest
  • Open Letter to Shri Amit Shah
  • Strategy for resource mobilization
  • Haircare tips to bloom in spring
  • Over a month since PR came into force
  • Near consensus on NRC update
  • Dr Aheibam Koireng: A prolific academician
  • Abolish Institution of Hereditary Chieftainship
  • Seminar on Career Choice at Kanglatongbi
  • TCI condemns Kuki diktats
  • Diktat to cancel Hun-Thadou fest
  • Objection To "Hun" Celebration
  • How to choose right career after XII class ?
  • Details of drug smuggling coming to light
  • Robust anti-drug units must to nail kingpins
  • Rare grasshoppers, crickets recorded in Zeilad
  • The Laiphadibi :: Poem
  • Policy proposal for ending ethnic conflicts
  • Entrepreneurship with mushroom cultivation
  • Condemns illegal diktat by Kuki SoO groups
  • A woman - Does she need fixing ?
  • Understanding Ponzi, digital banking fraud
  • Step down nudge to political appointees
  • Rivers turning into dumping zone
  • The Power of Forgiveness & Leadership
  • Yaoshang Sports @ Kwakeithel #1 : Gallery
  • Non-violence for defeating Kuki militants
  • World Water Day @ MU : Gallery
  • 14th AMWJU Annual Sports Meet #2 : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta for emotional balance
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #2 : Gallery
  • Day 5: Yaoshang Sports : Gallery
  • National Bamboo Festival : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #2 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Loukhatpa #4 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Loukhatpa @Kangla : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba @ Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • 1st AMAND Football Cup @ Pune : Gallery
  • The Untold Meaning of MEETEI and MEITEI
  • In Memory of Aheibam Koireng
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #1: Gallery
  • Moirangthem Marjit chairs CCCIS, Hong Kong
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet