The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Games are overseen by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which also controls the sporting programme and selects the host cities.
The host city is selected from across the Commonwealth, with eighteen cities in seven countries having hosted it.
There are currently 54 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and 71 teams participate in the Games.
**When did India bid for it?
The two principal bids for the 2010 Commonwealth Games were from Delhi, India and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
A ballot of members was held in November 2003 at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Delhi bid won by a margin of 46 votes to 22, confirming India's first successful bid for the Games.
The bid was Canada's attempt to hold the games for the fifth time. India's bid motto was New Frontiers and Friendships.
India shifted the balance in its favour in the second round of voting with a promise that it would provide US$100,000 to each participating country, along with air tickets, boarding, lodging and transport.
The successful 2003 Afro-Asian Games held in Hyderabad was also seen as having showed India has the resources, infrastructure and technical know-how to stage a big sporting event.
**What are the other civic bodies involved altogether in the preparation of the games and who got what?
Sports Authority Of India(for building sports infrastructure) – Rs. 2904.86cr
Organising Committee(for conducting games) – Rs.1620cr
Delhi Development Authority(for Games Village) – Rs. 827.85cr
GNCT-Delhi Govt(Civic Infrastructure) – Rs. 2800cr
A panel has been set up by the government to look into the corruption charges in the Games. Headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General, VK Shunglu, the panel will submit its report within three months to the Prime Minister. It has the mandate to review every transaction, if needed.
The special panel appointed by the government will probe the financial bungling and administrative lapses.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is looking into financial misappropriation; and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the routing of funds, which have been traced to tax havens like Mauritius.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will be examining tenders issued for various Games related projects, which are already under scrutiny after exposes on items being bought at absurdly inflated rates.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is looking into allegations of corruption in all infrastructure projects like the stadia and Games' venues.
**What are the major works and projects under scanner?
Queen’s Baton function held in London in 2009 for inflated taxi rates which includes the former CWG Deputy Director-General Dr. Sanjay Mohindroo and Lalit Bhanot for alleged Foreign Exchange Violations.
A Rs 760 crore bail out package given by Delhi Development Authority(DDA) for Emaar-MGF, a private builder hired for construction of games village.
UK-based broadcast firm for alleged tax evasion amounting to Rs 29 crore.
Alleged discrepancies found in purchase of air conditioners, furniture and kitchen equipment for GWG games village by DDA.
**Why was PMO in the news during alleged CWG corruption scam?
The Bharatiya Janata Party blamed the PMO and the union cabinet for not verifying the costs before approving the ‘inflated budget’ of various games projects.
The BJP president, Nitin Gadkari also mentioned that out of the Rs 70000 crore spent on games, only Rs 350 crore was spent on Indian sportspersons.
Another big question asked by BJP president was how the total budget for staging the games escalated 17.5% of the original budget and why didn’t the PMO or Dr. Manmohan Singh himself ask questions?
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE GAMES:
Shera, mascot of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, is the most visible face of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. His name comes from the Hindi word Sher – meaning tiger. Shera truly represents the modern Indian. He is an achiever with a positive attitude, a global citizen but justifiably proud of his nation’s ancient heritage, a fierce competitor but with integrity and honesty. Shera is also a ‘large-hearted gentleman’ who loves making friends and enthusing people to ‘come out and play’.
In Indian mythology, the tiger is associated with Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (or female power) and the vanquisher of evil. She rides her powerful vehicle – the tiger – into combat, especially in her epic and victorious battle against Mahishasur, a dreaded demon.
Shera embodies values that the nation is proud of: majesty, power, charisma, intelligence and grace. His athletic prowess, courage and speed on the field are legendary. He is also a reminder of the fragile environment he lives in and our responsibility towards the protection of his ecosystem.
Theme Song:
The XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi’s theme song, Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto (Live, Rise, Ascend, Win), music maestro A. R. Rahman’s call to the people and athletes of India and the Commonwealth to come out and play was launched on 28 August 2010.
Shera Song:
The song ‘Shera’ was conceived and produced by Vikramjit Sahney. The music composer is Jeetu J. The song has been sung in Hindi and English by Vikramjit Sahney, Shibani Kashyap and Millind. It reflects the spirit of Shera, representing majesty, power, charisma and grace.
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