Srinagar, July 06: Continuing with its policy of devolution of powers, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to form district-level sports councils to rejuvenate the sporting activities in the state. "A standing committee of the Jammu and Kashmir sports council met here yesterday where it was decided to form district sports council at all 14 district headquarters," state sports minister Haji Nissar Ali said here today. The district councils would be responsible for organising and overseeing the conduct of sports activities in respective districts in an effort to rejuvenate the activities, which were severely affected by militancy since 1990, he said. The minister said the government's aim was to decentralise the organisation of sports activities for better conduct and spreading them at the grassroot-level. Deputy commissioners have been appointed as chairman of the respective district councils while superintendent of police would be vice-chairman, he said.

The presence of DCs would facilitate promotion of sports in the state as it would be easier to personally monitor the activities, the minister said.

He said the move was part of devolution of powers as the state sports council, the nodal body for conducting activities had not been effective in its job.

Ali said funds for participation in various tournaments would be made available to the teams only upon the recommendation of the newly-formed district councils.

The minister said the deputy commissioners were asked to set aside Rs five lakh for sports activities from their district funds.

Bureau Report