26th March

Game On

The article commends BCCI decision to shift IPL from India to South Africa, as it was the best decision in present circumstances. Moreover, game should go on in any circumstances and its hosting by a foreign country should not be associated with national pride.

To host the IPL in South Africa was both unavoidable and a path breaking experiment considering the fact that there was even question whether it would be held this year or not. Although England was the preferred choice earlier, South Africa scored on various points like favorable weather, huge Indian origin audience and small time difference. Another intriguing point is the possible reverberations of a successful hybrid tournament on the cricketing world at large. While the tournament is based on domestic identity of team which is city-based, it boasts on players from all over the world. If successful, it could open up exciting possibilities for future tournaments for countries like Pakistan, where the prospects are very bleak. 

As of now the decision to move IPL to South Africa is a very practical and sensible decision and any association of it to the national pride is unfortunate. National elections are any time more important then sports tournaments. Scoring political brownie points on it is pity. Any adverse fallout on IPL due to security could have grave implications. For now, it is more important for the game to move on.

Promises Galore

The article talks about the pledges season that has sprouted as the elections come near. However it expresses concern that pledges are seldom remembered post-elections and that the execution is often the hardest part.

As Congress unveils its election manifesto, it concentrates on its “aam-aadmi” while countering NDA’s “India Shining” slogan. It plays around the policies that are socially conscious and thus politically acceptable. While it plans to make NREGS individual-based or the food security proposal, it’s often seen that UPA hasn’t walked the talk. Although NREGS has helped stemming the rural migration to cities and lifting up the rural income, corruption and leakages has to be tackled to prevent the money going down the drain. PDS needs revamp and performance in the southern states is a benchmark. Also smart cards need to replace the traditional ration cards to prevent misuse. Besides execution, financing these projects is another major problem considering the fiscal profligacy of the UPA government so far. While taxing or borrowing sprees are unaffordable now, divestment from PSUs is a practical option. However, the govt hasn’t so far walked to talk although it has said that Indians can hold PSU stakes.

Finally, minority reservations is a sensitive issue. Private sector reservations would create a lot of discontent among India Inc and would discourage level playing field. What is needed is quality primary and secondary education as well as job opportunities. Congress could probably do away with political paternalism and electoral manipulation.