SAG director gets notice for colourful welcome, says he wasn’t aware of plan

Panaji: Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) executive director Ajay Gaude has been asked to explain the “undue publicity” that he received while taking charge of the department on Monday. Gaude has said he was unaware of the “grand welcome” plan.The welcome included ceremonial floral tributes, along with playing of the drum, while 100-odd coaches and staffers applauded his entry at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, also the SAG headquarters. “Such behaviour on behalf of the civil service officer amounts to conduct unbecoming of a govt servant,” chief secretary V Candavelou said in a show cause, asking Gaude to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him for “unprofessional behaviour”.Gaude, who held charge as SAG executive director for six months between May and Nov, 2022, returned to the office on Monday, succeeding Geeta Nagvenkar, after she was appointed as member secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board.Gaude also heads the directorate of sports and youth affairs (DSYA).As Gaude stepped out of the official car, he was first welcomed by Arjuna awardee and SAG joint director, Bruno Coutinho, while coaches who had lined up on either side later showered him with flower petals. Some coaches had arrived with flower bouquets which he did not accept on his way to the office.“In my 10-12 years of govt service, I have taken charge of many departments, but this welcome took me by surprise,” Gaude later told reporters. “I was not aware that they had made such an elaborate arrangement. There was SAG staff, officials, coaches, all of them came together to give this welcome.”Most of those who had gathered at Bambolim were coaches.“We had asked the director when he was expected to take charge and the coaches were told to gather at Bambolim accordingly, since the plan was to have an interaction. A meeting with the coaches was also planned to discuss the kit. The director was not aware of the welcome arrangements,” said a senior coach.After taking charge of SAG, Gaude promised to bring in much-needed changes within 15 days. “We will together bring in changes in the entire system, the way we work. A good environment will be created. Whether it’s a peon or an officer, there will not be any discrimination,” he said.