KL Report
Jammu
While chairing the 53rd meeting of J&K sports council, chief minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday directed for categorization of sports to ensure focused attention for balanced growth and development of various games. It was informed in the meeting that Union Ministry of Youth Welfare and Sports has sanctioned two mega projects for Jammu and Kashmir worth Rs 11.5 crores.
The projects will be Rs. 4.50 crore-project for laying of synthetic turf for football at TRC Ground Srinagar and construction of Rs. 7 crore-Indoor Stadium at M A Stadium Jammu. It was also informed in the meeting that Union Government has agreed to the proposals of the state government for construction of new Indoor Sport Complex in Kashmir Province at a cost of Rs. 15 crore, laying of artificial turf for football at Baramulla at a cost of Rs. 4.50 crore and two sports training centres at Jammu and Srinagar at a cost of Rs. 10 crores.
The chief Minister who is also President of Jammu and Kashmir sports council said that the standing committee headed by Minister for Sports should work out categorization of sports in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar said that holistic development of sports and proper nurturing of sports persons have been flagged as important aspects by the government and due attention is being paid to the infrastructure development in various sports. He also emphasized on formulation of Jammu and Kashmir Sports Policy and handling of sports issues under its provisions.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Legislator Dr Mustafa Kamaal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, BB Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Youth Welfare and Sports, Bipul Pathak, Secretary Sports Council, Daleep Thusoo and Members of the Sports Council.
As per a statement the meeting discussed matters pertaining to engagement of statutory auditors for preparing of balance sheet, recognition of new sports associations, action taken in constituting the District Sports Councils, infrastructure development and other administrative matters.
The Secretary Sports Council said that the State Sports Council is presenting maintaining 69 stadia and playing fields all over the state. He sought additional funds for the upkeep and improvement of these fields.
He said that there are 48 recognized state sports associations and over a score associations have applied for recognition. He said that during the current financial year an amount of Rs. 153.90 lakhs has been adopted by the Finance Department in revised budget estimates for grant-in-aid and other aspects. He also sought enhancement of the grant-in-aid for the said purpose. The Secretary Sports Council said that preliminary exercise for formulation of J&K Sports Policy has been initiated under the directions of the Chief Minister and the task is expected to be completed shortly.
