| Sports Council conceals more, reveals less | | Denies information on its financial status sought through RTI | | Faizal Malik
Srinagar, May 11: In a bid to conceal alleged misappropriation of funds, the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council has denied information regarding status of its public account in which the Grant- in- aid provided by the Government to this autonomous body is credited.
In response to an application filed by one I B Singh, Secretary J&K Golf Association seeking information from the J&K State sports Council under State RTI Act, the PIO of the council has stated that the information regarding financial position of the said account cannot be shared publically.
The claim of the Council has, however, been denied vehemently by the information seeker, who has filed subsequent appeal against the reply of the Council.
As per the RTI application filed, the information seeker has sought to know the status of fixed deposits of the Sports Council along with the names of the banks between 2009-2014 and their present financial position; Expenditure incurred on the face lift/ renovation of the office of the State Sports Council at MA Stadium Jammu and Bakshi Stadium Srinagar during the last fiscal; Details of expenditure incurred towards purchase of furniture, upholstery, gadgetry and other miscellaneous items in last three years and month wise details of pay/perks/incentives paid to the Joint Secretaries of the Council during the last six years.
While denying the information on the financial status of the fixed deposits of the Council, the PIO has informed the information seeker through the letter of the X En J&K SSC dated April 24, 2014 that an amount of Rs. 35 lakhs was sanctioned for the face lifting of the Council office at MA Stadium through e-tendering, but the work was in progress. The PIO also informed that the Jt. Secretaries of the Council were paid Rs. 5700 per month during 2006, Rs. 8000 per month during 2008 and Rs. 11000 per month since April 2011.
While giving details of the expenses incurred on purchase of equipment and logistics, the PIO has informed that the Council purchased furniture worth 6,82,555 between 2011-2013, computers worth 1,32,232, Apple I-pad worth 1,04,790, Sports material worth Rs. 35,69902, Boxing rink at the cost of Rs. 4,63,265, Photostat machine worth Rs. 93,312,medals and mementoes worth Rs. 3,52, 492, EPABX worth Rs. 1,68,702, Turf Machinery and plants worth Rs. 9,62,424 and books and tonners for printer worth Rs. 25,092. The PIO has however, not provided the details of process adopted for the purchases worth over 65 lakhs made by it.
It is pertinent to mention here that there are reports of misappropriation of funds, wasteful expenditure and exorbitant purchases by the Secretary Sports Council Dilip Thussoo arbitrarily without necessary approval of the Standing Committee. |
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