Commonwealth Games Likely to Affect India’s Economic Image
The Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 are going to be a big fiasco for the third largest Asian economy, India (after China and Japan). Political and financial corruption could scar the face of India in conducting such big events.
There have been many reports 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 regarding CWG arrangements.
Missed Link
The idea of conducting international events comes from the wishes of leaders to keep their country in the spotlight for purposes of improving business, attracting tourists and financially contributing to 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 the Chinese growth rate.
Many international news networks have expressed doubts whether India could make it. The doubts remained unresolved even as the date is just three days away. The government appointed a ministerial body of three ministers only five days before the inaugural date, which is October 3rd.
Image Blurring
Indian rulers are keen to not let any spats like H-1B visa fee hike, outsourcing bans, and restrictions on exports from the US play spoilsport during U.S. President Barack Obama's visit later in November. 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 along 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 for missing its targets due to several issues — whether the GST (Goods and Services Tax), issuance of unique ID to its citizens, a proper response to the Kashmir struggle, reducing inflation or dependence on monsoon rains for inflation control.
They have continued in a similar fashion, in terms of missing their target, by conducting CWG. The event's organizers have warned arriving participants that the sports village complex would not be ready until Thursday, i.e. just two days before the inaugural event. One can argue it is just unacceptable for such a big sporting event.
Leaking ACs, Loose Fittings
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