India hikes Commonwealth Games funding

Nov 5, 2009, 11:52 GMT

   New Delhi - India on Thursday more than doubled the funds for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi saying more money was needed for security as well as a successful delivery of the event.

   There has been widespread criticism of the delay by Indian organizers in creating infrastructure and facilities for the Games scheduled for October 2010.

   After doubts were expressed about Delhi's preparations for the Games, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had assured India would host a 'spectacular show.'

   The cabinet chaired by Singh approved a revised budget of 16.2 billion rupees (344 million dollars), more than a two-fold increase from the previously sanctioned 7.67 billion rupees (163 million dollars).

   These will be the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever, local news channels reported.

   'It has been felt important to increase the amount because of the inclusion of new items that are essential for the successful delivery of the Games that were not provided in the initial budget,' India's Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.

   The budgetary hike was to meet escalating costs, particularly of the opening and closing ceremonies of the games as well as the increase in the number of days for the Queen's Baton Relay.

   The relay has been increased from its original plan of 136 to 240 days for international leg, and from 60 to 100 days within India.

   'Inclusion of new items that are essential for the successful delivery of the Games but were not provided in the initial budget of the organizing committee, namely accreditation, city operations, sponsorship and TV rights, security, sustainability and environment and ticketing,' she said.

   The Commonwealth Games are a slimmed down version of the Olympics and have 71 participating nations. They will be held in New Delhi from October 3-14, 2010.