When you read this, it is likely that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have already arrived and inaugurated the long-awaited National Games 2023. The bustling activity surrounding the stadium and all routes from the airport to Fatorda would have been evident even to someone sleepwalking. At the start of his first term, Modi addressed a select group of industrialists, promising four years dedicated to development and one year for politics – an election year. However, with India perpetually in election mode and with Modi the BJP’s chief campaigner, it seems one year is too little for campaigning. It appears that opening ceremony of the National Games was more akin to subtle campaigning than anything else. Otherwise it would have been so easy to use a helicopter, more secure and cheaper too.
The Fatorda MLA who sits in Opposition was unexpectedly presented with a golden opportunity. His constituency would be elevated to new heights without much exertion on his part. Known for his outspokenness, the MLA appeared at a loss for words when questioned about these recent developments. He expressed his gratitude and surprisingly called it development or progress.
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Surprising, is applying ‘lipstick’ development? The newly coated bitumen surface has been marked with clear and visible lines, even making previously non-existent pedestrian crossings apparent. Despite the high median being located centrally and posing difficulties for crossing, pedestrian paths have been designated. In addition, the severely damaged road in front of District Hospital has finally received much-needed attention with a fresh coat of bitumen. This is an unexpected outcome as regular maintenance would not have commenced until 2024. However, it is unfortunate that no effort was made to repair the dilapidated bus stand which currently resembles a test track for lunar rovers. One cannot help but wonder if utilizing the same materials at the bus stand could have served more practical purposes for everyday people instead.
The kerb stones were painted black white and yellow as required. The footpaths were cleared of weeds as were the medians, but given the short time, the workers hacked the weed and also the plants, no worries new ones were planted. Why is this speedy technology not used to improve black spots where people die regularly?
The speed bumps and rumble strips, which have been causing discomfort to citizens and generating revenue for workshops, were removed to ensure a smooth ride for the Prime Minister’s car. The resulting debris was simply discarded in gutters without proper disposal measures. It seems that no one is concerned about the fact that these same speed breakers will likely be reinstalled after a few days through another tender process. The installation of rumble strips was intended to save lives in accident-prone areas. Unfortunately, poorly installed speed bumps have actually led to more accidents and falls. It appears that citizen safety is not a priority during this time period as long as PM Modi’s car can glide along smoothly – giving him the impression that everything in Goa is going well.
The Prime Minister’s personal initiative, ‘Swachh Bharat’, in support of which, the towering walls surrounding the stadium were painted to raise awareness. An individual in a position of authority deemed it necessary to whitewash and paint over this effort. It appears that one could always pay for another attempt at conveying the message. Wasting scarce funds is a favourite past time.
A recent trend has emerged in the form of posters and huge hoardings promoting events, featuring images of prominent figures such as PM Modi, Chief Minister and now, Sports Minister. A la election mode at tax payers expense. These posters have been haphazardly placed, posing a threat to both motorists and pedestrians due to their clear violation of rules and regulations. It remains unclear who is responsible for ensuring that the quantity ordered corresponds with the quantity delivered, as well as verifying how many have been installed. Additionally, there is a pressing need to establish accountability for removing these advertisements and disposing of them properly.
Surely all this costs money, yes ‘short tender’ was the answer, the darling tool of the administration, as no questions are asked and quality check is never a requirement. Imagine what could have been done with the money spent on the ‘lipstick’, could have been utilised in a planned manner and where needed.
To begin with, the National Games is dedicated to sports. However, instead of investing more resources in training potential athletes with better equipment and coaching techniques, it appears that importing players for the purpose of winning medals has become a more convenient solution. Unfortunately, this approach seems to be favoured by politicians and administration who view medal victories as mere embellishments.
It is difficult to achieve success in sports when newly constructed stadia are being utilized as housing facilities for CISF personnel tasked with guarding Mopa. Such decisions do not align with a mind-set geared towards achieving victory. The Chief Minister’s stance on repurposing infrastructure built for the games to benefit future athletes is commendable. This message should be emphasized to officials responsible for authorizing stadium usage as dormitories.
If medals are the sole criterion, then why do we allocate budgets for sports? Rather than developing local talent, we should import top players just before the games and pay them well. We waste time in training camps for athletes and these hopes are dashed when we quietly select individuals from other states under the guise of adhering to a 70% local and 30% outstation quota rules.
What is not stated is that this applies only to those who reside in a State for work or education being eligible, rather than a blanket permission. Athletes have recourse to seek justice through legal channels; hopefully their respective associations will avoid embarrassment akin to that suffered by Goa’s Cycling Association.
The worst part is the absolute callousness of the authorities in the name of security, all business establishments have been ordered to be closed, causing a loss of livelihood to many especially daily wagers? In Delhi, you never see businesses shut down because PM is passing, why is it necessary in Goa?
Is the PMO aware of what is happening and do they support and sanction such actions? It would be interesting to know. Let The Games Begin.
(The author prefers to write rather than chat in a balcao)
