Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today directed for categorisation of sports to ensure focused attention for balanced growth and development of various games.
He also emphasised on the formulation of Jammu and Kashmir Sports Policy and handling of sports issues under its provisions.
Chairing the 53rd Meeting of J&K Sports Council here, the Chief Minister, who is also president of the council, said that the standing committee headed by Sports Minister of the state should work out categorisation 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 was being paid to the infrastructure development in various sports.
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.
In a powerpoint presentation the secretary, Sports Council informed the meeting that Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has sanctioned two mega projects for Jammu and Kashmir at the cost of Rs 11.5 crores.
These are Rs 4.50 crore-project for laying of synthetic turf for football at TRC Ground Srinagar and construction of Rs seven crore Indoor Stadium at M A Stadium Jammu
It was also informed in the meeting that the central
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 secretary said that the Sports Council was 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 recognised 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 earmarked 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 of 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.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 18:56