Volunteers left high and dry

Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Feb 22: The South Asian Games, described by both the State government and the Centre as the best Games ever, has concluded. Both the State government and the Centre are busy claiming credit for the success of the event.

But, some 3,000 volunteers without whose support the event would not have been possible, are now crying foul as the organizing committee has not yet released stipends promised to them.

“We had heard that we would get Rs 500 per day as stipend, along with a certificate and conveyance facilities. Later someone told us, we will get Rs 300 per day. Now, some of us have received smses stating that the organizing committee has misplaced the bank account numbers and so we have been asked to submit the details again,” said a volunteer.

The organizing committee had assured stipend to volunteers but had not specified the amounts. The volunteers were roped in from various schools, colleges and NGOs. Only an sms was sent to the selected volunteers confirming their selection.

They were engaged from February 2 to February 17, from morning 6 am till night.

Conveyance was provided between home and the venues in the beginning, but later even that was not provided.

Sports minister Sarbanda Sonowal had addressed the volunteers after their selection, seeking their help in making the event a success as “it was a matter of prestige for the State.”

The volunteers were engaged in various activities, including escorting players from airport to hotels, from hotels to the venues, at the venues and with delegates as liaison officers.

“We will wait for two or three more days and if there is no communication from the organizers, we will be compelled to move the Union Sports minister,” said another volunteer.