The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) finds itself in a sticky wicket over the procurement of sports gear for its cricket team, which includes several elected corporators. While the civic body annually funds apparel for the inter-corporation tournament, this year's attempt to buy two pairs of branded shoes per player has drawn sharp scrutiny and raised questions about expenditure norms.
Mayor's Approval and Procedural Oversight
Mayor Pinki Soni formally sanctioned the purchase of cricket equipment for the team participating in the inter-corporation cricket tournament held in Bhavnagar. However, sources indicate that the approval letter she signed, a procedural requirement to sanction expenses, listed only one pair of cricket shoes per player. It is reported that Mayor Soni was unaware that officials had planned to procure an additional pair of jogging shoes and branded track pants from a prominent international brand for each team member.
A Long-Standing Tradition of Questionable Purchases
This practice of purchasing two pairs of shoes for the amateur cricketers, many of whom are part-time players and elected representatives, is not new. Sources reveal that this tradition has been followed for several years, with procurement officials continuing the pattern. The controversy stems from the fact that several corporators play year after year, accumulating premium footwear that is unlikely to wear out in a single tournament season. While jerseys, socks, and caps are generally accepted expenses, the demand for dual footwear and high-end apparel pushed the boundaries of acceptable use of civic funds.
Controversy Averted, But Questions Linger
Faced with potential backlash, the VMC eventually dropped the additional running shoes and the branded track pants from the procurement list to avoid controversy. Nevertheless, the episode leaves unresolved questions regarding the fate of the already approved cricket shoes and the broader issue of using public money for personal sports gear for elected officials. The incident highlights a need for clearer guidelines and greater transparency in how municipal funds are allocated for such extracurricular activities involving corporators.
