CCEA gives approval for implementation of sports scheme at panchayat level

New Delhi, Mar 7 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for implementation of Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA).

Under the Scheme, each village Panchayat and each Block Panchayat would be given one time seed capital grant of Rs.1 lakh and Rs.5 lakh, respectively.

In addition, while village panchayats would be given annual acquisition grant and annual operational grant at Rs.10000 and Rs.12000 per annum, respectively, block panchayats would be given Rs.20000 and 24000 respectively.

Each block panchayat would also be provided annual competition grant of Rs.50000 for holding block level competitions and each district will be provided annual competition grant of Rs.3 lakh for holding district level competitions. Further, prize money would also be provided to the winners (first three positions) in block level and district level competitions.

The Mission outlay for the 11th Five Year Plan is Rs.1500 crore.

PYKKA aims at providing basic sports infrastructure and promoting games/sports in rural areas in a phased and time-bound manner through concerted efforts of all stakeholders, particularly the State Governments, panchayats, educational institutes, sports promotion bodies and youth clubs.

Apart from contributing to public health, social inclusiveness, the promotion of indigenous games and the identification and nurturing of rural sports talent, PYKKA is also expected to stimulate the economic activities within the sports sector, as it would lead to an exponential growth in the demand for sports instructors, coaches, sports equipment and consumables and sports events and related support services.

ANI