Dehradun: Uttarakhand athletes who win medals at the National Games, as well as medal winners at international competitions, will now be employed within the Sports Department. Sports Minister Rekha Arya has directed department officials to prepare a proposal for this.
She stated that an agreement in principle has been reached between the state and central government for the transfer of land for the sports university to be built in Haldwani. Instructions have been given to complete all preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony before the 2026 academic session.
While reviewing the Sports Department in the Assembly Hall on Thursday, Sports Minister Arya said that the Sports Department will now submit a proposal to the government to create a number of posts to provide out-of-turn employment to the state’s medal winners.
The benefit of this will be that athletes will be able to participate in competitions without restrictions in the future and also work as coaches in the department. He added that 32 athletes have previously been given out-of-turn employment, but they are facing difficulties in staying involved in sports. He also stated that the government is providing four percent reservation for athletes in government service.
He also directed officials to organize a board meeting with the Governor regarding the creation of posts at the Sports University. During the meeting, he reviewed the Women’s Sports College, Champawat.
He directed the submission of budget requests for the beneficiaries of the Chief Minister’s Emerging Players’ Upgradation Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Players’ Incentive Scheme within the next three to four months. Reviewing the Chief Minister’s Championship Trophy, he stated that the championship will be held upon receiving approval from the Finance Department. The Sports Minister expressed his displeasure over the non-disbursement of the additional excise duty of one rupee per bottle under the sports development head and directed for its immediate disposal. Special Principal Secretary of Sports Amit Sinha, Sports Director Ashish Chauhan, Additional Director Ajay Agarwal, and other departmental officials were present at the meeting.
