MARGAO
The saga of the National Games 2023 hosted by Goa and the funds distributed to different sports associations is taking its twists and turns with each passing day, even ten months after the game concluded.
Different sports associations, which were part of the multi-sport games held in the month of October- November in various parts of Goa, were given funds by the state government ahead of the games to build a strong team in each of the disciplines.
The state government distributed funds for the conduct of Residential Coaching Camp and towards the procurement of equipment, with 80 percent of the funds distributed for residential camp and equipment while the balance was to be paid on completion of the documentation and submission of bills.
Also, the state government asked the sports association to have day-camp and accordingly diet and travelling allowance was to be paid to the respective associations.
The entire funding of the National Games has been caught in rig mole of its own with several associations complaining that their funds have not been cleared till date.
The SAG on its part has sent a letter addressed to some of the sports associations and has directed them to submit the requisite documents and settle the accounts of the National Games 2023, failing which legal proceedings will be started against the concerned sports associations and its office bearers.
“The Sports Authority of Goa had sanctioned Rs. xxxxxxx/-, towards conduct of residential coaching camp and Rs. xxxxxxxx/-, towards the procurement of equipment for 37th National Games, 2023. Despite multiple reminders to your association, you have failed to submit the required documents and settle the accounts,” a letter sent to one of the state sports associations said.
The letter signed by Dr Geeta Nagvekar, Executive Director of SAG adds: “You may please note that, the expenditure is required to be accounted for and the bills are required to be settled in time bound manner as per the relevant rules.”
The SAG has given a September 30 deadline for the sports associations to complete the formalities, failure which will invite penal action against the state associations and its office bearers.
“You are therefore directed to submit the required documents pertaining to the residential coaching camp and procurement of equipment to this Authority along with the requisite bills, vouchers, audited statements of accounts and refund the unutilized amount if any latest by 30th September, 2024.
The sanctioned amount being public money, all relevant rules for utilization of public money are applicable and in the event of your failure to comply with these directions SAG has warned that future fundings will also be stopped.
“No further claim of balance grant shall be entertained and request for sanction of any pending grants or future grants shall not be entertained at any cost,” the letter added.
SAG has warned that failure on part of the sports associations to follow the guidelines of funds, the money will be recovered under the relevant provisions of the law
“The amount sanctioned and disbursed to your association shall be recovered under the relevant provision of law and the office bearers of your association shall be held personally liable for non-compliance of these directions.”
SAG has also asked the sports associations to come clear on the day-camp conducted and to submit the bills so that they are cleared.
“You are also directed to intimate in writing to this Authority whether any Day-camp was conducted and in case such camp was conducted, then documentary evidence concerned with conduct of such Day Camp must be submitted before 30th September 2024, failing which no further claim will be accepted. It may also be noted that the amount disbursed shall not be adjusted towards any pending or future grants to the Association,” the letter adds, a copy of which has been sent to the Sports Minister Govind Gaude.
