FIFA and the G20

  • Dr. Udit Raj

This time, it is India’s turn to chair the G20. India is one among this group of 20 countries, but it is being given so much of air as if it is an unprecedented occurrence; and would be the ‘Ichi-go, ichi-e’ for India and above all, it is being credited to the glory of Modi ji. The matter is being allowed a lot of space in the media and the expenditure on its publicity has already increased. It is not difficult to know what one will derive out of it. The amount of space that is being provided in the media and speeches for hosting the G20, if the same would have been spared for the problems of farmers, laborers and corruption etc., India would have surpassed itself? If the media gives space to issues like farmers selling potatoes and tomatoes at throwaway prices, the consumer along with the farmer will definitely be benefited. Officials do not work and instead, accept bribes, but has media given any space to such things? There is no employment for the youth and inflation is sky-rocketing? Such problems are missing from the media spaces. Leading G20 is a matter of pride for the country. But there are 19 more countries which got or will get such an opportunity. This hosting can be taken advantage of if we draw lessons from even a fanatic country like Qatar. Although FIFA and the G20 have different objectives, they both influence investment and tourism.

The FIFA World Cup began on November 20. Qatar was expecting 15 lakh foreign tourists for the final on December 18, while 29 lakh tickets had been sold. In the beginning, some FIFA fans were reluctant due to fanaticism, but after attending it the message they took back to their country, caused increase in the number of tourists. There was some restriction on beer and liquor etc. in the stadium, but the arrangement was pitch-perfect and people continued to enjoy. There have been some such restrictions during the game in France and other countries. There were some religious restrictions too, but better facilities and discipline ensured pleasantness. The girls of Europe felt a sense of greater freedom and security. The atmosphere was such that led to 200 percent increase in the tourism of neighbouring countries. FIFA earnings this time have been estimated at around 75000 crores. Qatar spent heavily to build the stadium and other infrastructure that would be used later. In the coming days, tourism, trade and investment will make up for it and the economy will get strengthened. According to an estimate, in 2030, 60 lakh tourists will come every year. Foreign tourists have almost disappeared in North India. At one time, Connaught Place and Pahar Ganj used to be packed with tourists which has now become a far cry. The effect of ‘Self-reliance’ is reversed. Imports from China increased by over $100 billion. Whatever achievement is boasted about is reversed and the G20 conference is also going to meet the same fate. Did Trump’s arrival prove fruitful in any way? A doer walks the talks instead of creating ruckus. Will India meet the same fate like Qatar’s? The arrangement and atmosphere of the FIFA World Cup there was such that Qatar’s hotels fell short of extra space and the neighbouring countries reaped its benefits. Lakhs of people stayed in their hotels. 10 lakh football lovers were roaming around and no unduly incident took place.

Qatar has drastically improved its fanatical image through the Football World Cup but here we see the opposite. The countries that had come to participate in the Noida Expo decided not to come here again. Due to lack of basic facilities and traffic problem, the Chinese said that they will never come here again. Had FIFA been organized in our country, there would have been unruly incidents of eve-teasing of foreign girls. They would have been sold counterfeit goods. Thefts would definitely have been there. There would have been traffic problem for sure and the system would definitely have lacked in one thing or the other. This small country successfully organized the world’s biggest event without such complaints. Economically, Qatar is going to reap huge benefits in the coming days.

In hosting the G20, a lot is already being paid and in due course of time, a lot more is going to be spent. All the money is already being wasted in walling-off the slums and poor settlements. Cities are being decorated with money that would have been useful for some other purpose. When the President of China came to Gujarat, there were rumours about investment of 500 billion dollars whose actual amount wouldn’t be fair to guess. The ‘Vibrant Gujarat Mahotsav’ continued, but the condition of the economy kept getting worse. Some big cities which have already been good before, glow differently. In fact, they ought to be ahead of other cities but the condition of the villagers is pitiable. Looking at all such programmes in the past, we can say that someone will definitely be benefited, but neither the country’s economy nor the public. Tables would definitely be turned upon oneself.

A simple event that a country like Indonesia did recently. After collecting all the information about the preparation of hosting in Indonesia, it was found that it did not turn it into an event. But here in India, the impossible is being presented as something ‘Already happening’. Whether someone draws any benefit or not, Modi Ji’s name will definitely shine everywhere. The media will exaggerate so much that it would seem that all the problems are about to be solved. I hope that the G20 conference does not turn into an event which would be in the best interest of the country.

(The writer is the National Chairman of All-India Federation of Unorganized Workers and Employees Congress (KKC) and Scheduled Caste/Tribe Organizations and National Spokesperson of Congress)