Worried that accepting the dearness allowance, which is higher than that of the athletes for the Paris Olympics, might damage their reputation, the IOA Executive Council members have decided to forgo such payments and instead make their own travel arrangements. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Council also emphasized that they do not rely on government funds for international travel, as all members come from “sound backgrounds.”
According to budget estimates, IOA Executive Council members were set to receive USD 300 per day (approximately Rs 25,000). Additionally, they were to receive USD 1000 (around Rs 90,000) per day for accommodation during their five-day visit. This arrangement drew criticism as the athletes’ allowance was fixed at USD 50 per day, despite a sanctioned sum of Rs 2 lakh for each athlete who qualified for the Olympics.
Concerned about the negative public perception, the IOA Executive Council met on Sunday morning and decided to address the issue before the Indian contingent’s send-off ceremony at a city hotel.
“Yes, we discussed this issue. Most of the members agreed that we should not accept this allowance. A wrong message has gone to the public and it needs to be rectified,” an EC member told PTI on conditions of anonymity. “Actually, all the EC members are financially well-off. They don’t need to depend on the government funds for such travels. Each of us can manage it easily. And this 1000-1500 dollars amount does not make any difference to us.”