Kohima, July 12 (MExN): A day after the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) rebutted allegations by its Vice President, K Kire by stating that it is functioning with ‘utmost transparency,’ the latter has asked the former to substantiate its “claims with all relevant documents and audited reports in the public domain.”
‘It would be in the interest of transparency and accountability as this is about future of our sportspersons and youths who should be given due opportunities to excel with proper infrastructure and incentives,’ he stated in a counter rejoinder.
The Vice President further said that while he was glad to hear that audit had been carried out, he wondered whether expenditure statements from those individuals “who could not submit their accounts of Rs 70 lakhs or so have also submitted the financial statements.”
He claimed that they “could not for the last 2 years till he was holding the post of Treasurer."
Accordingly, he asked that if NOA is “working with utmost transparency and best practices as claimed,” why only “authorised agencies” can check the audit report?
If it is “open book” as claimed, then publish the audit reports in the public domain since everyone has a right to know as we are all stakeholders, he added.
Kire further held that the accounts of any public organisations receiving government assistance or funds are liable for any member of the public to examine.
“Failure to do so would tantamount to mere word-play by the Association to confuse the general public,” he added.
He further highlighted that Article 12 of the Constitution (NOA) requires that an audit be carried out once every year while Article 12 clause (ii) states that the Executive Council shall appoint Auditor and another clause provides that Treasurer “shall prepare and submit an annual income and expenditure account together with an audited balance sheet.”
“So, when and where did the Executive Council convene such meeting to appoint a 'registered chartered accountant?'”
With regard to NOA’s logo, the Vice President said that the crux of the issue has not been addressed or answered, further demanding ‘where and when’ the decision was taken.
On the NOA office complex, he claimed that it was originally “formulated, planned and constructed for the Civil Services Club.” It was a Government funded and executed project on allotted land which remained half completed without fund for years and therefore, the issue has been raised to get clarity on the history of the building, he said.
He also questioned the NOA for “never” disclosing to the public that the building was originally meant for the All India Services to have a Civil Services Club, but was diverted to become a sports complex, and “denying” the latter its recreational centre in the State Capital.
“It is heartening to know that the authority decided to give it to the NOA. Still then, certain expenditures must have been involved in completing the building including expenditures on furnishings, fittings and office equipment,” he added.
On the question of attending office (NOA), he claimed that the ‘excuse’ provided by the Association was not convincing as his “service to the NOA is voluntary” and further posing whether the members attend office everyday compulsorily.
“If all are to be taken on board for any discussion, why not immediate information be sent to the office bearers? Was any information given at all for such meetings?”
Further, regarding the counter-allegation that he did not attend the AGM and the office inauguration programme, Kire claimed that when the building was inaugurated, he was “informed, not requested,” only that morning to propose the vote of thanks, which he “politely declined” due to short notice.
“Despite this, my name was printed for which I was unhappy. I narrated this to a friend sitting next to me and then left the venue,” he maintained.
As for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on July 8, he pointed out as per the NOA’s Constitution provided that the Annual General Assembly should be in the first quarter annually with a 30-day prior notice.
While an Executive meeting was held on June 8, the NOA’s notification was circulated on June 22 calling for the AGM on July 8. “One can discern whether the Constitution is followed/adhered to in letter and spirit,” he added.
The Vice President also questioned the “utter silence on the Sports Policy.”
