Chennai Stampedes: Comment

Lacking the right framework and system in place for conducting an open written test for all freshly passed out graduates, amateur HR personnel at a leading MNC in Bangalore advertised for the same early this year. Thousands of fresh graduates queued up from the wee hours in front of the facility to ensure they are registered for the written test. Rumors spread around the facility that the eligibility for taking up the test on that day will be denied unless one is physically inside the facility before a specific time. Many young graduates tried to climb the facility compound to get inside as the gates were locked down after a couple of batches. By the time HR personnel realized the fatal error committed by them, the facility witnessed a complete chaos. A few sensible administration personnel from the company acted swiftly and rightly by coming with a clear official announcement that the written test stands cancelled on that day with immediate effect to clear off the crowd. Fortunately a major mishap was averted with a few severe injuries.

In this context, a comment on the two successive stampedes that happened in the Chennai flood relief distribution centers gains significance. After the first stampede that happened in one of the relief distribution center, the State Government underplayed it that the incident was caused by some miscreants spreading false rumors as the core reason for the mishap. Within less than a month, a second disaster far worse than the first one happened and the honorable Chief Minister reiterated the same statement again as the reason for this fresh disaster which could have been averted very easily.

If it is the quest for an elusive job in the case of written test for the crowd, it is the sheer poverty, true and desperate need in the case of relief distribution. In spite of having the knowledge of the first stampede, fellow poor citizens lined up in front of the relief distribution center late in the night braving the weather. In both the cases, it is the complete responsibility of the organizers to ensure they have a clearly defined framework and system in place to control the crowd which is expected manifestly.

Having the complete administrative power and control in hand, reiterating the same reckless statement for the second time that rumors spread by miscreants as the reason for this man-made disaster shows the attitude, negligence and arrogance of the CM towards her fellow poor citizens who voted her back to power after a terrible and miserable first term. It is ironic to note the fact that the state has an opposition leader who never shows up in legislative Assembly to which he is duly elected. The opposition party chief makes statements on television during prime time with the sole intention of making his heir as the next party leader and there by violates the basic fundaments on which his party is founded.

In the interim, the Super Star from this land (who pretended to be a prospective candidate) retracted his flashy 1996 election statement that “Only GOD can save the state from the current CM” purely for his personal reasons and survival. However the crux of the statement still remains valid as only GOD can help this state to find a fresh new leader in the upcoming 2006 General Elections. Each one of us living in the state can help the cause only by exercising the basic franchise to vote duly and there by denying a proxy vote on one’s behalf.

Can Pawar do justice to his new job?

Cricket is not just a mere sport in the Indian subcontinent. It brings together so many diverse Indian communities, based on language, religion, location...etc. Talented and great Indian cricketers like Kapil, Sachin, Dravid and Pathan (new young talent) are regarded as demigods throughout the length and breadth of the country. It is quite unfortunate to note the following issues that reflect poorly on our commitment to democratic values despite our claim to be the world largest democracy.

• None of the prime political parties in India have free and fair democratic elections within their parties to choose their leader. Most of the political parties are run by individuals and the odd man out. The BJP, which claimed to have a good set of younger generation leaders, is in total mess after the election debacle and their two senior leaders have indicated they will step down in the near future. An election within most of the political parties in India is just a formality of re-stamping the authority of its existing leader.
• For obvious reasons, ruling governments never believe in appointing neutral / joint parliamentary committees by leveraging some of the Members of Parliament who do not have much work either inside or outside the parliament for public inquiries including the recent Volcker issue.
  

Apparently, a significant number of middle and upper class citizens in India neither do care about the political system in India nor do their basic duty to the nation by exercising their right to vote, as they are quite busy enjoying their respective lives at the expense of the uneducated and poor. Nonetheless, when it comes to cricket, the vast majority of the Indian population (both rich/poor) and the huge Indian diaspora do bother as they cherish each and every victory of 'Team India'. In this context the role of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the outcome of its recently-concluded election is quite significant.

The BCCI has failed miserably, purely based on the following few facts that came to light recently after completion of 75 years of its existence:

• Did not justify its status as an autonomous body for governing cricket in India, taking in to consideration of the number of court cases with regard to its own elections as well as the important job of awarding telecast rights.
• Failed to launch an official website, being one of the richest sports bodies in the world.
  Lack of transparency in its entire operations including the most important one of selecting the national team.
• No clear defined policy with regard to refund of hard earned public money in case of a match being abandoned completely.
• Failed to promote domestic cricket.
  

Having analyzed and handled numerous cases involving the BCCI over the past few years, the right thing that the highest court of this land did to ensure free and fair BCCI elections was appointing an external sole observer. Mr. Krishnamurthy deserved the appointment and fit the role, based on his capacity as former Indian CEC (Chief Election Commissioner). Being a sole observer and conducting an election, wherein a handful of voters are involved, is not at all a big deal in the first place for the former CEC. Publishing the voters' list (though revised a couple of times after outrageous levels of lobbying by the rival groups involved) is the highlight of this entire high voltage election drama. This precedent of publishing the voters' list prior to the BCCI election needs to be applauded and is definitely here to stay for the forthcoming BCCI elections.

Here's what is expected from Mr. Pawar and his newly-elected team at the BCCI:

1. Reform the BCCI completely and define the election policy precisely with no ambiguity. Increase the number of eligible voters if possible.
2. Separate the national team selection process completely from other matters of administration. If possible, provide opportunity to former retired captains and other specialists involved in the game to be part of the selection committee.
3. Establish clear code of conduct for players / coaches and do not entertain gross indiscipline in this regard.
4. Promote domestic cricket and support the individuals / players involved financially who try to make out a career in cricket.
5. Create an official BCCI website and publish all its members / player profiles and policies and declare its earnings in the first place.
6. Define a clear policy to handle the situations of complete abandonment of a given match including refund of purchased tickets if possible.
7. Sell telecast rights for matches played by 'Team India' in such a way that they are broadcast on national television irrespective of the venue being played.
8. Define and lay down a roadmap for corporatisation of the BCCI.
9. Sponsor or donate huge cash reserves / earnings liberally to promote other sports in India, including world famous sports like soccer and our national game, hockey.
10. Earn the right back to be an autonomous body.
    

It is quite evident that majority wanted Mr. Dalmiya out of this important job associated with public importance and emotions as we have enough people around in India to do this honorary role at the Board. Hats off to Mr.Pawar and his team for winning this election convincingly without a lingering court battle.

However, at this juncture, it is difficult to predict whether Mr. Pawar can do justice to his new job as BCCI president while holding the key portfolio of Agriculture in the Union Cabinet and being the chief of his own political party. Either he needs to work round the clock or give up some of his roles or delegate and form a team of talented individuals to run each of these jobs. Only time should tell us the facts.