That India is a garbage bin of humongous proportions is well known to all us Indians but it has been hidden from the rest of the world for so long now that outsiders had started believing in the trash being dished out about 'India Shining', 2nd fastest growing economy, cultural paradise and what not. Thank goodness the Commonwealth Games 2010 brought out the reality from this illusory perception.
A Scam of Massive Proportions
The commonwealth games 2010 scam was waiting to happen. But the proportion couldn't be guessed even by generous estimates. Rs 36,000 crores or $8 billion scam! Whoa. And this in a country where 400 million live below the official poverty line or simply put, in sub-human conditions. But this was only expected once Suresh Kalmadi was appointed the head of the commonwealth games Organizing Committee. After all, he has a string of achievements to his credit. Some of which include charges of land grab, becoming the chief of Indian Olympics Committee (IOC) using shady means and using the same to stay in that position ever since, siphoning off public funds and many more.
Commonwealth Games Scam List - A Ready Reckoner
The commonwealth games 2010 related infrastructure projects have left India's capital city, New Delhi, resembling a war zone. Practically all roads are dug up, cables lying all around, people jumping over little rocks as the pavements resemble Moon like craters. With more than 50,000 crore rupees already pumped in one would have expected at least decent output.
A Scam of Massive Proportions
The commonwealth games 2010 scam was waiting to happen. But the proportion couldn't be guessed even by generous estimates. Rs 36,000 crores or $8 billion scam! Whoa. And this in a country where 400 million live below the official poverty line or simply put, in sub-human conditions. But this was only expected once Suresh Kalmadi was appointed the head of the commonwealth games Organizing Committee. After all, he has a string of achievements to his credit. Some of which include charges of land grab, becoming the chief of Indian Olympics Committee (IOC) using shady means and using the same to stay in that position ever since, siphoning off public funds and many more.
Commonwealth Games Scam List - A Ready Reckoner
- Liquid Soap Dispensers rented for Rs 9,379 a piece or $206
- Operating Expenses escalating from Rs 399 crore in December 2002 to Rs 1,628 crore finally.
- Medical equipment including tread mills have been bought or rented at 6-7 times their original price.
- Allegations that funds meant for India's most deprived sections - the SC/ST - have been diverted to the games funds. Stealing from the poor to fund the elite's luxuries?
- Construction so fragile, it falls before completion.
The commonwealth games 2010 related infrastructure projects have left India's capital city, New Delhi, resembling a war zone. Practically all roads are dug up, cables lying all around, people jumping over little rocks as the pavements resemble Moon like craters. With more than 50,000 crore rupees already pumped in one would have expected at least decent output.
- The newly built shooting range at the Siri Fort area collapsed after one heavy shower
- The foot over bridge adjacent to the main venue of the Commonwealth Games collapsed while being erected, injuring 27 workers who were dumped into a tow away truck to a municipal hospital and dished out a compensation of measly Rs 50,000 ($1097) for broken skulls and multiple fractures.
- Many of the games venues leaked during the monsoon and roofs of some collapsed.
- The Commonwealth Games village, the place where athletes from participating countries will be put up is infested with dog poo, snakes, clogged toilets, and unfinished work.
- Fancy bill boards have erected all over the city to hide the piles of garbage, slums that are a trademark sight in any major city in India.
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