Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 18: Observing that the affidavit filed is deficient of details, the High Court today directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Government of India to inform the court what has been done till date for the promotion of sports in the State.
As the Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports was under direction to file in tabulation form the information about development of sports in the State, the Ministry in its report said the promotion of sports in the country, including creation of sports infrastructure and training facilities in the State is the responsibility of the concerned State Government.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rashid Ali Dar said it is the responsibility of Centre to ensure development of sports in the State. Court said responsibility of Centre to provide only funds cannot be accepted and directed the matter be placed at higher level by the Ministry.
The Ministry in its affidavit says that its role in developing sports infrastructure in the State is limited to bridge gaps in the available infrastructure. “It may not be feasible for the Department of Sports to meet the entire demand for sports facilities in J&K within the available budge resources as it has to cater to the demands of entire country”, read the affidavit.
Court was hearing PIL on intensification and expansion of sports facilities and infrastructure in the State and to draft out a plan for consultation of coaches in order to facilitate the sports facilities in the State.
With regard to providing of funds to the State for enhancement of sports infrastructure facilities, the Ministry informed the court that in 2015 a special package of Rs 200 crores was approved and announced by the Prime Minister.
“Initially for the implementation of ‘Sports for Peace & Development’ in the State an amount of Rs 14.30 crores had been released to Technical Education & Youth Services and Sports Department of J&K last year for conducting sporting activities and sports competitions in all the 22 districts”, affidavit further read.
Youth Services & Sports Department J&K is under direction to consult the Finance Department and examine the all aspects including infrastructure and expenditure as also for the process of selection of coaches so that the proper training be provided to those who are taking part in various sports.
In this connection Government is under direction to prioritize the filling of 3000 posts of Rehber-e-Khel sanctioned for various districts of the State and remove all deficiencies as pointed out in the response.
Government has already created 3000 posts of Rehbar-e-Khel vide Government Order dated 27.10.2017 and sanction stands accorded for engagements in Budgam, Baramulla and Ganderbal districts. The engagement orders as stated is under process with regard to Samba, Doda, Kupwara, Kulgam and Kargil districts.
“The recruitment process to the position of Rehbar-i-Khel in all districts shall be completed within a period of two months, if not already completed before us before the next date of hearing. The respondents shall place a district wise status report before us regarding the appointments of Rehbar-i-Khel shall be considered by this Court”, court has already directed.
Secretary Youth Services and Sports is directed to specifically look into the aspect of lack of coaches in the State and the willingness of the National Level Sports Federations to assist the training of the coaches and to place an action plan in this regard before the court on next date of hearing.
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