Shravan Krushnapaksha 12, Kaliyug Varsha 5116
Panaji (Goa) : Everyone knows that the visit of the four Goan MLAs to Brazil for the Fifa World Cup 2014 did not come cheap.
TOI was the first to report that at an estimated cost of Rs 89 lakh, it was to be the most expensive 'junket' for a group of six legislators, initially at the cost of the state exchequer. But while many believed Brazil was an expensive destination, it has now emerged that the MLAs spent almost 55% of the expenses on procuring expensive tickets for the quarterfinals and semifinals of the Fifa World Cup.
Fans on Stands, the agency that did the bookings for the MLAs, has provided the final bill to the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG). According to the bill, Rs 48,12,550 was spent on match tickets alone.
The SAG, through the then executive director VM Prabhudesai, signed a contract on June 12 to procure six tickets each for two quarterfinals and two semifinals. While the quarterfinal tickets cost USD 2,550 (approximately Rs 1,53,000) for each game, tickets for the two semifinals at Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo cost USD 4,200 (approximately Rs 2,52,000) each.
The SAG paid a total of USD 81,000 (approximately Rs 48 lakh) for match tickets. Tickets for the final were sold out before the state government could get in touch with the agency and all tickets were sourced from Match Hospitality, Fifa's sole global distributor of hospitality packages.
Documents perused by TOI showed that the state government opted for Match Pavilion tickets which included best available category 1 tickets. The package also included buffet style catering, guaranteed parking, premium bar service, exclusive commemorative gift and a dedicated welcome area with multilingual hostesses.
The bill submitted by the agency who managed the tour to Brazil also shows an expense of Rs 7.65 lakh towards sightseeing, English-speaking guides and local logistics.
Other expenses include air tickets (Rs 6.64 lakh), hotels (Rs 6.62 lakh), domestic tickets (Rs 6.26 lakh) and service tax (Rs 7.60 lakh).
Since all four MLAs eventually traveled to Brazil at their own cost, the SAG—which had made the full payment before their departure—has asked each MLA to pay Rs 14,09,860.
The MLAs were asked to make the payment before July 31, but they asked for an extension of 30 days. The SAG has now asked them to clear the payment on or before September 15.
Fisheries minister Avertano Furtado, who led the delegation, has paid Rs 3 lakh till now while the three others MLAs—Carlos Almeida, Benjamin Silva and Glenn Ticlo—have paid Rs 2 lakh each and promised to clear the payments within the next 30-45 days.
As per affidavits submitted by the four MLAs at the time of assembly election in 2012, each of the four MLAs was worth at least Rs 1 crore, with Ticlo (Rs 7 crore) being the richest among them.
The actual cost of the trip has been pegged at Rs 84.59 lakh. The SAG had already made a payment of Rs 89.16 lakh and are expecting a refund of the balance amount.
Source : The Times of India
