SAFC in doldrums as Govt denies funds
   Date :24-Jun-2019

 
By Partha Sarathi Behera:
 
Raipur
 
The State Govt rejected the Fencing Association’s request for Rs 30 lakh for hosting the championship n
 
The Commissioner of Sports and Youth Welfare had earlier given a go ahead to the proposal seeking Rs 30 lakh, but later, the Finance Deptt rejected the proposal in guise of rules
 
 
The prestigious Third South Asian Fencing Championship (SAFC), proposed to be held in Chhattisgarh, face a major roadblock in the form of financial crisis after State Government pulled out of the championship. The State Government had earlier assured the organisers of giving Rs 30 lakh for hosting the championship in State, but now, the State Government has taken a U-turn in guise of rules and regulations. A letter issued by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare, Chhattisgarh Government, on June 7, 2019, reads that the State Government cannot approve Rs 30 lakh for the championship as the application, seeking fund for organising international sports event, should have been submitted one year prior to the event. The Sports Department cited the Rule-11, Rule 10 (2) of Departmental Aid and Assistance Rule 2018.
 
It is worthwhile to mention, Chhattisgarh State Fencing Association has submitted a letter to the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare on December 22, 2018 urging for Rs 30 lakh for holding the Fencing Championship. The date of championship was proposed as March 21 to 23, said Fencing Association of India (FAI) Secretary General Bashir Ahmed Khan. The Sports Commissioner Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi had approved the proposal and forwarded it to the concerned department for further course of action. However, the Fencing Association was suggested to shift the championship from March to the month of August owing to Lok Sabha polls.
 
On the basis of assurance given by the Sports Department, the organisers started preparations and sent invitation to all the South Asian nations and stake holders. A letter issued by the Department on June 7, 2019 rejecting the application of the Fencing Association had left the organisers in the lurch, said Khan while talking to The Hitavada. A Deputy Secretary in the Finance Department rejected the proposal and denied any financial sanction on the ground that the organisers did not follow the prescribed rules.
 
The authorities did not think about the image of State on international forum, said Khan. Only a month is left for the championship. And the State Government’s decision may give a jolt to State’s claim to hold National Games. Khan said that Rule 11.7 allows the State Government to make the case special and approve the fund for the championship. Further, such apathy towards the sports would demoralise the sportspersons of State, said Khan who had already shot a letter to the State Government requesting for the implementation of new sports policy for the sake of sportspersons. It is also to be mentioned, the state Government had not made any provision in its budget presented in February this year.