By Ravi Kant Singh, IANS
New Delhi : The sports ministry has demanded that the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) settle accounts for funds released 20 years ago before any more money is given – a move that has made boxers very unhappy.
And not just accounts, the ministry has even asked the IABF to provide the government's sanction letters as well, along with the utilisation certificates and receipts.
"It's simply a case of the sports ministry trying to put its own house in order and putting the onus on us," IABF secretary-general Col. P.K. Muralidharan Raja told IANS.
The ministry is withholding nearly Rs.7 million (Rs. 70 lakhs) pending settlement of old accounts, he said.
"It's impossible for us to provide accounts for expenses incurred since 1986-87. They have provided us with the reference numbers of the sanction letters but have demanded that we provide them with a copy of the letters issued by them in the first place."
"In some cases we have managed to dig out the letters from old files, but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. Where we can't find the sanction letters, the utilisation certificate must do but then providing receipts to back the expenses is impossible."
Even the utilisation certificate by the IABF is not the end of the road. It needs to be backed by proof of participation, once again easier said than done.
"We can provide them medals won by our boxers even though most of them are no longer active. But then it proves only their participation, not for the entire squad. After all, each team must have a coach, doctor, manager and referee-judge. Where do we get the proof for them?" queries Col. Raja.
"Sports ministry officials do understand our predicament but plead helplessness in face of audit objections. Joint secretary I. Srinivas has given us a lot of help but we are nowhere near completing the task," said the IABF official.
And the money the ministry is holding back is just for performances since 2005.
"Given their rural background, when boxers don't get the promised rewards they are easily disheartened. That obviously affects performance in international events but it's something we cannot wish away."
Added to that is the fact that the sports ministry must seek funds from the finance ministry before they can honour the promises. It's back to square one for the federation which is helpless faced with this red tape.
"If the finance ministry does not release the funds, the sports ministry cannot give out the rewards. But it's IABF that has to face the irate boxers. Some even go to the extent of saying that the federation is not looking after their interests.
"It's a tough ask but there appears to be no quick solution to this complex problem," said Col. Raja, shrugging to emphasise his predicament.