INVC,,
Delhi,,
The 3rd Conference of State Ministers for Youth Affairs and Sports was held here today under the Chairpersonship of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. M.S. Gill. The Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. Purandeswari Devi also attended the Conference.
Dr. M.S. Gill appreciated the efforts made by States in the implementation of Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA). He referred to the recent initiatives taken by the Ministry such as release of central share in a single instalment; introduction of structured course and pedagogy for training of masters trainers and kridashrees; coverage of all panchayats at one go in respect of small States/UTs like Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar; 20% annual coverage for North Eastern states against 10% for normal States. He emphasized the need to promote and protect playing fields, and urged the State Governments to set up State level Playing Field Associations. Dr. Gill also referred to the new proposal for creation of Urban Sports Infrastructure, which envisages 100% financial assistance for the setting up of community sports facilities and sports academies, engagement of coaches, coach development etc.
The Minister appreciated the innovative work done by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in setting up several professionally managed sports academies for which they have been awarded Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar for 2010. He announced that from now onwards one award will be earmarked for the best performing State in sports development.
