Christian Groups Question Games Spending

(August 02, 2010) Two Christian groups have questioned the “ethics” of India spending billions on Commonwealth Games while millions of people continue to be hungry, homeless and unemployed in the country. “Is it ethically justifiable for a nation like India, with nearly 400 million people living on one $ a day to host such an expensive event?” asked a press release from Indian Christian Righteous Action Forum (ICRA) and the Poor Christian Liberation Movement. They said the scheduled Games to be held in New Delhi in October 2010 are “anti- poor” as it cause displacement, employment loss, eviction, and child labour and violation of human rights. More than a million families have already been evicted as a result of Games-linked development projects. Some 40,000 rickshaw pullers and street vendors, small shopkeepers and food stall owners have lost their livelihood, it said. Recent media said Rs. 700 Crore budgeted for hosting the games has been massively overshot to 12,000 Crore. Some say an unprecedented $6 billion expenditure on the games would eat away funds allocated for poor and marginalized communities. Much of the work is being done by more than 400,000 contract daily wageworkers that have migrated to the city. Many come with their families, including children who are being exposed to hazards, lack proper hygiene and adequate care. It estimated the games brought an additional 10,000 children into New Delhi, many live without basic amenities. The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games will be the largest global sports event ever to be hosted in India. Around 10,000 athletes from 71 nations and territories will compete.