Sports directorate aims at hike in aid

There is also a proposal for an increase in the aid given to the sports clubs/ associations/ committees for the organisation of important tournaments.

While the aid given for the organisation of international tournament/ world championship for the diet and lodging and transport of the players is to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh or the actual amount spent,whichever is less,the directorate has proposed that the aid amount be increased to Rs 10 lakh or the actual amount spent,whichever is less.

Similarly,for the organisation of Asian championships the financial help given is to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh or the actual amount spent,whichever is less and for this there is proposal for increasing the aid to Rs 5 lakh or the actual amount spent,whichever is less.

For the organisation of national championships too there are proposals for increase in the aid given by the sports department.

When contacted AK Banoda,who is discharging the duties and liabilities of Director Sports (UP),said,“Prices have gone up. If the proposals gets a go ahead the state sports associations will take pains to ensure that more and more prestigious tournaments are organised in the state which will give a good tournament exposure to the players within the state. It will also lead to cultural intermingling and boost tourism in the state.”

He said that a good financial help will always help in bringing the sports associations closer to the sports directorate which will help in the creation of better sports atmosphere in the state.

When contacted,general secretary UP Basketball Association (UPBA) Bhupendra Shahi said that “as the aid given is very low in comparison to the amount spent and we do the auditing soon after the organisation of a tournament,we have not been applying for the financial help.”

President UP Judo Association KL Gupta said,“We receive the grant-in-aid with much difficulty. The budget for the championships is much more in comparison to the low amount we get. The process in itself is cumbersome which discourages the sports associations from taking such help. Many associations organise tournaments through their own resources. Lack of proper financial assistance hampers sports promotion in the state.”

Another sports association official said,“Lakhs of rupees are spent on organisation of national championships and toiling hard to get an aid of Rs 50,000 or so makes little sense. So we think in terms of channelising our energies in getting good sponsorship instead.”