Punjab hands Rs 6.7cr in awards

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 30

The Punjab Sports Department distributed cash awards amounting to Rs 6.70 crore to sportspersons who brought laurels for the state in 2016-17, today evening at the Sector 64 Sports Complex in Mohali.   

The award function was organised during the model code of conduct imposed in the state due to the General Elections, and officials said that they had permission from the Election Commission’s office for the event. 

“We had taken all the necessary permissions to clear the backlog of awarding the sportspersons. This is the reason Secretary Sports awarded the winners and no political face was invited here,” said Amrit Kaur Gill, Punjab’s Director Sports. “Over 700 players were awarded cash awards. Players who represented India in international events were also awarded.” 

The Chief Electoral Officer was not available for comments. “The event was conducted by officials. Let alone political leaders, even mediapersons were not informed,” said a Punjab government media division officer.