A contingent of 25 Sports Authority of India employees will soon embark on a trip to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, in batches of six each. The SAI is expected to foot the bill for at least 16 of them, reportedly at Rs 1.33 lakh per head, for the all expenses paid sojourn.For the time being, this huge amount will go under the ‘salary’ head of the organisation.The list of travellers include director general Ratan P. Wattal, secretary B.K. Sinha and executive director (finance) Jhanja Tripathi. These three have got the ministry’s clearance. The list also includes six directors, three deputy directors, five assistant directors, five scientific officers and six coaches.Of them, two directors get their tickets from the federations they represent while a few others are part of the scientific assignments. The rest will be paid for, by SAI.What is the purpose of their visit? The scientists are expected to attend an international science conference, the rest will be ‘‘observers’’ and on ‘‘study’’ tours in order to equip themselves before the New Delhi Games in 2010.An appeal, sent to the ministry seeking clearance for the entire contingent under the talent search (travel-in-aid) scheme, was turned down because it could not be justified. Then the SAI took it up. A note was sent from director (personnel) to the executive director (finance), seeking the release of Rs 2,500 per head for visa and incidentals. Once that approval came through, things were sanctified and the process gained momentum. This was because persuading the ministry was proving to be time consuming.Joint secretary S. Krishnan said the trip seemed justified since it was on ‘‘a like-to-like basis and to prepare themselves for the 2010 Games.”Two SAI directors are already in Melbourne, arranging for accommodation. The second batch leaves tonight. SAI has hired a three-bed accommodation. Each batch will stay for seven days with each of them getting $75 per day as allowance.
