Significant anomalies in the Chandigarh Sports Department’s operations were uncovered by a devastating audit report, raising major questions about the administration and use of public funds. The study, which covers the years 2020 to 2024, identifies several problems, including the department’s inability to properly use central money, collect trainee debt, and follow fundamental financial rules.
The department’s failure to make full use of the sizeable funding of ₹1.61 crore obtained under the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) project is among the most startling disclosures. The audit discovered that ₹77 lakh of this award was still unutilised as of March 31, 2024. The department’s ineffective resource management is highlighted by the underutilisation of funds intended to promote sports excellence, which might impede the growth of sports infrastructure and training initiatives in the area.
The audit report also highlighted the department’s negligence in collecting fees from trainees who quit the Chandigarh Football and Hockey Academy (CFHA) before their scheduled time. Eight defaulter trainees have an outstanding balance of ₹14 lakh. In addition to casting doubt on the department’s financial management procedures, this failure to collect dues also suggests that contractual commitments are not being followed, which is crucial for preserving budgetary restraint.
A total absence of financial oversight was also brought to light in the study, which noted that no physical asset verification was done during the audit period. This error might result in asset loss or misappropriation, worsening the department’s financial situation. One major governance failure was the Chandigarh Sports Council’s inability to have its required monthly sessions. These gatherings are essential for accountability, progress tracking, and strategy planning.
The audit’s conclusions have drawn criticism from several sources, with some doubting the department’s dedication to promoting sports in Chandigarh. Athletes’ training and development may be impacted by the long-term negative consequences of poor management of public finances and resources on the sports ecosystem in the area.
The Director of Sports, Sorabh Kumar Arora, has recognised the problems in the audit report and promised to take immediate action. The department’s capacity to carry out these adjustments efficiently and on schedule, however, is questioned. In addition to highlighting serious operational and financial shortcomings, the audit has brought attention to the necessity of extensive changes aimed at re-establishing accountability and effectiveness in the Chandigarh Sports Department.
Next, there is a need for this department to promptly address these shortcomings to restore trust and guarantee effective use of funds and resources in promoting and developing sport in Chandigarh. Such measures include rigorous financial control mechanisms and regular audits; they would play an important role in achieving the above objectives.
