The Chess Players Forum official urges the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to transparently communicate the reasons behind the decision to conduct a forensic audit of its accounts amidst allegations of financial irregularities.
Chess Players Forum official, IM Venkat Saravanan, emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the AICF’s decision for a forensic audit and demands clarity on financial irregularities.
AICF’s Interim Secretary, Ajeet Kumar Verma, reveals plans for a forensic audit due to missing documents and papers from the office, with a focus on examining payments made to various entities. Infighting and unexpected developments within AICF have caused concern among players, especially with significant tournaments upcoming.
Former AICF Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan denies allegations and asserts the cleanliness of the Federation’s accounts. Concerns are raised by players regarding the misuse of funds, with a significant portion being allocated to legal expenses.
According to the AICF’s annual accounts, it had spent a whopping Rs.79.91 lakh as legal expenses in FY23 up from Rs 50,52,450 in FY22 and Rs 18,20,300 spent in FY21. In FY20, the Indian chess body had spent Rs 20,60,050 as legal expenses. For the current fiscal-2023-24, AICF has budgeted Rs 50 lakh as legal expenses. Curiously, when asked for the break-up of legal expenses incurred by it under the Right to Information Act, the AICF had said the records had been damaged/destroyed by pests.
Suggestions from Arjuna Awardee and chess Grandmaster include implementing schemes for player development and ensuring accountability of state associations. Legal disputes, including the destruction of records, have marred AICF’s reputation, leading to calls for a focus on the game’s development rather than internal conflicts.
The AICF’s allocation of funds and its transparency regarding financial matters are under scrutiny, with demands for greater accountability and utilization for the betterment of the sport.
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