Zero tolerance to graft, warns Sarbanda

Former top CAG officials roped in to ensure corruption-free event

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Jan 11: The Union Sports Ministry has appointed a retired deputy Comptroller and Auditor General as an Ethical Advisor for the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games to ensure fincial transparency in the upcoming event.

Sports Minister Sarbanda Sonowal said utmost care is being taken to ensure that no fingers are pointed after the event.

"There shall be zero tolerance to corruption. We have asked the Central government to give us a senior official to oversee the fincial matters, and accordingly, a retired deputy CAG has been appointed as Ethical Advisor. So far we have been successful in maintaining fincial discipline," Sonowal told jourlists during an interaction on Sunday night.

A Games official said all the contracts for the event have been awarded through e-tendering.

"We have also ensured that local people get the maximum number of works. Of course, in fields which we require technical expertise, we had to bring in people from outside," the official said.

According to Sonowal, it was a challenge for his ministry to organize the event in the region within a short span of time.

"We accepted the challenge. The event has immense scope to build the image of the region in South Asia. We are sure that after the event, the perception of Northeast in South Asia will change," Sonowal said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Assam and Meghalaya governments for providing the necessary support for organizing the intertiol event.

"It is the responsibility of the people to make the Games a success," the Sports Minister added.

Guwahati police commissioner Mukesh Agarwal said a multi-layered security bandobast has been put in place for the event.

"Players from several countries will be participating in the event. We have deployed a hi-tech security apparatus, the details of which we cannot share. Movement of all the players and officials will be closely monitored. Additiol care has been taken as players and officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan will also participate in the Games," Agarwal said.

The Central government has sanctioned 50 additiol paramilitary companies for the event.

Around 4,000 players and officials from eight countries will be participating in the event scheduled for February 5-16.