Godman’s game gets Rs 50 lakh state grant | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Godman’s game gets Rs 50 lakh state grant

ByHT Correspondents
Aug 29, 2016 12:35 PM IST

SIRSA/CHANDIGARH: Haryana sports minister Anil Vij has announced Rs 50 lakh from his discretionary fund to a religious sect in the state for promoting sports, a move that triggered a debate on politicians misusing public money.

HT Image
HT Image

Vij announced the donation during a visit to the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa on Saturday night where he witnessed a sporting event, named Tiranga Rumaal Chu.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has invented the game — which Vij described as a “very interesting” combination of kabbadi, kho-kho and wrestling — but it is not an accepted sport played at national competitions, let alone international events.

Singh said the money would be used to build a sports village and prepare players for the next Olympics. It was not clear if he would prepare players of Tiranga Rumaal Chu for the Olympics, or athletes of recognised disciplines.

The minister’s donation comes from a discretionary grant of Rs 5 crore a year .“Guidelines on discretionary grants are fuzzy and the release of funds depends on the discretion of ministers, leading to inconsistencies,” a source said.

Known as the “guru in bling” for his penchant for garish costumes, the 48-year-old dera chief, who commands a following of many crores, has been known to assist political parties. He is facing trial over the murder of a journalist in 2002 along with charges of sexually exploiting female followers.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On