Yogesh K Porwar
*Job Reservation and Special Incentives for Achieving Sportspersons.
*Development of Sports Infrastructure at 32 Locations Across the State at a Cost of Rs.36 Crore.
*Pending Sports Awards of the Last Two Years to Be Presented on August 29: Dr.G.Parameshwara.
Deputy Chief Minister,Dr.G.Parameshwara said that the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports plays a vital role in society.
Nearly 65% of the population is below 35 years of age, and these young people must be engaged in the development of the State and the Nation.
By the time they complete their graduation and become eligible to vote,they should be contributing meaningfully to society.With this objective,the department has launched several programmes.
Addressing a press conference at Yavanika Auditorium on Nrupathunga Road in Bengaluru today,he announced that students participating in State-level and National-level sports competitions will receive 15% attendance relaxation,while those participating in International sports events will receive 25% attendance relaxation.
The measure has been implemented with immediate effect,and a Government Order has already been issued.
He further stated that even if student sportspersons have only 50% attendance,they should be allowed to appear for examinations.
Many students miss classes because they represent the State and the country in national competitions.He noted that he himself had experienced similar challenges during his student days.
No student should be deprived of writing examinations because of sporting commitment.
Accordingly,attendance relaxation has been extended to sportspersons excelling in 34 different sports disciplines, and a list of eligible sports competitions has also been notified.
The Government is also giving high priority to providing employment opportunities to accomplished sportspersons.
Recruitment is underway for 72,000 vacant posts across various State Government departments.The State Cabinet has approved 2% reservation for sportspersons in these recruitments,and a draft notification has already been issued.
After considering objections and suggestions from the public and sportspersons,the final notification will be released shortly.
Dr.Parameshwara said that under the 2% sports reservation,around 2,000 posts will become available to sportspersons.
Medal winners representing Karnataka in the Commonwealth Games,Asian Games,and Asian Para Games are also being appointed directly to Group A and Group B posts under a special recruitment drive.
Appointment orders have already been issued to 13 sportspersons,of whom 11 have joined service.
He further announced that sportspersons representing Karnataka in the Commonwealth Games,Asian Games, and Asian Para Games will receive a special incentive of ₹5 lakh.
This incentive is in addition to the existing cash rewards awarded to medal winners.The Finance Department has approved the recruitment of coaches to fill vacant positions in the Sports Department,and recruitment to 50 permanent coaching posts will be taken up shortly.
The Government is also planning to organise, for the first time, an International Youth Festival that will showcase Karnataka’s culture,sports,and the ideas and aspirations of youth.
The festival is proposed to be held in December or January. From this year onwards,Dasara Sports Meets will also be organised in a systematic manner beginning at the taluk level.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that sports infrastructure is being developed at 32 locations across the State at a cost of ₹36 crore,and several additional initiatives have also been announced in this year’s Budget.
Recalling his tenure as Higher Education Minister,he said that sports reservation in the Common Entrance Test (CET) was introduced for the first time during his tenure. As a result,115 students have secured medical and engineering seats this year through the sports quota.
He said the Government has taken major steps to promote sports in Karnataka.The Kanteerava Stadium will be redeveloped under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with international-standard infrastructure.
Facilities required to host the Commonwealth Games and other international sporting events will also be created.A final decision on the project will be taken by the Cabinet.
Dr.Parameshwara also recalled that Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha,Rahul Gandhi,undertook the 3,570-km Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to spread the message of India’s pluralistic culture and history among the country’s youth.
The Government had promised in its election manifesto to commemorate the yatra through a special initiative.
Accordingly,the Bharat Jodo Youth Association is being launched. He said that the first Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister had approved the initiative,and a Government Order has been issued to select youth and establish these associations.
He added that the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports has been entrusted with implementing the programme.
Around 10,000 youth associations will be formed,each consisting of 200 members at the Gram Panchayat level.
Every association will receive ₹10 lakh annually, and a nodal officer will be appointed for monitoring.
These associations will engage youth through activities related to the nation’s history, culture,literature, and other community programmes.
The initiative has been designated as a flagship programme,with an allocation of ₹1,010 crore.
Finally, Dr.Parameshwara said that the Ekalavya Award, Kreeda Ratna Award,Kreeda Poshaka Award,and Lifetime Achievement Award,which have remained pending for the last two years,will be presented on August 29,the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
