IOA Executive Council Declines Allowance Amid Public Criticism

The IOA Executive Council has opted to decline the dearness allowance for their trip to the Paris Olympics, concerned about public perception. Members, who are financially independent, emphasized that they do not require government funds. The decision came after it was noted that athletes receive significantly lower allowances.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Council has decided to forgo its dearness allowance for the upcoming Paris Olympics, citing concerns about public perception. This decision, announced following a meeting on Sunday, aims to rectify the criticism drawn from the discrepancy between allowances for council members and athletes.

Council members were initially slated to receive USD 300 per day, plus an additional USD 1000 per day for accommodation during their five-day stay. In contrast, athletes were allocated USD 50 per day, raising public concern over fairness. Despite these allocations, council members asserted that they are financially independent and do not require government funds for travel expenses.

Ajay Patel, senior Vice President and chairman of the Gujarat State Co-Operative Bank Ltd, along with other members, emphasized that the council is not reliant on government allocations. The DA amount, initially reported as an increase from USD 150 to USD 300, was clarified to have been consistent even during the Tokyo Games.