India criticised for spending on Games

The Commonwealth Games events have begun in Delhi today, after a build-up that was dominated by fears that venues and athletes’ accommodation would not be ready.

But the Save the Children foundation has criticised the Indian government for funding a Commonwealth Games budget that is four times bigger than government spending on child nutrition.

India has allocated a Commonwealth Games budget of more than £3.8 bn, while committing less than £1 bn to India’s national nutrition and education scheme for children under six.

Spokesperson Kathryn Rawe says there are concerns that the economic boost from the Commonwealth Games will not reach India’s poorest.

“India is a country that is developing rapidly, but we’re worried that economic growth isn’t flowing through to the poorest children,” Ms Rawe said.

The Indian government currently spends just 1.1 per cent of GDP on the Integrated Childhood Development Scheme- its national nutrition scheme for children.

But groups are calling on the government to boost spending to 3 per cent.

“Everyone wants the Games to happen. But there needs to be that same political will and drive that’s got the games to happen to help Indian children get food and clean water.

“These are very basic health complaints, such as diarrhoea and malnutrition, and they’re easily prevented. But you have to question the priorities of a country that is committing all this money to the Games while leaving their poorest children behind,” Ms Rawe said.

At yesterday’s opening ceremony, organising committee chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, was booed by the crowd as he said India had overcome challenges to stage the event successfully.

“There have been delays and many challenges but we have managed to rise above them all,” Mr Kalmadi said.

Preparations for the games have been marred by a series of setbacks, including complaints over accommodation, accusations of corruption, and a collapsed footbridge near the main Nehru stadium.

British world champions, triple jumper Philips Idowu and heptathlete Jessica Ennis, pulled out of the Delhi Games due to health and security concerns.

Last week Sir Andrew Foster said the England team remained “very concerned” over the state of facilities in Delhi.

More than 4000 athletes from 71 nations will compete in the Games over the next two weeks.