Funds for sports activities not fully used in MP: Congress

Bhopal, Mar 10 (UNI) The opposition Congress today arraigned the BJP government in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly for its ''failure'' to fully utilise the Central assistance for promoting sports activities.

Congress member Brijendra Singh Rathore, who raised the issue during discussion on the more than Rs 71 crore budgetary demands of Tourism, Sports and Youth Welfare departments held by Ms Yashodhara Raje Scindia, expressed concern over reports that the state's youth was taking to a life of crime and suggested involving more youth in sports activities.

Pointing out that budget allocation for sports activities remained not fully utilised, he suggested development of sports villages and facilities for sports at least at the block-level.

Mr Rathore suggested development of helipad and basic infrastructure near major tourist spots. The Tourism department should not concentrate merely on running hotels, he said, adding 'Shilpgram' should be developed near tourism centres.

Mr Kailash Chawla(BJP) sought better road connectivity at tourism spots, while Mr Girija Shankar Sharma stressed the need for promoting domestic tourism and festivals like the Pushkar Mela in Rajasthan.

Mr Hamid Kazi said Burhanpur, where Mumtaz Mahal breathed her last, should be developed as a tourist centre and the Central grant of Rs 4.56 crore for constructing an approach road should be utilised on priority.

Mr Arif Aqueel suggested insurance cover for international players from the state and government jobs for outstanding sportspersons. The Buddhist pilgrim centre Sanchi, attracting tourists from different countries, still lacked adequate transport facilities, he added.

Mr Vijay Bahadur Singh suggested that the government should ensure security of the tourists visiting monuments in the dacoit-infested areas.

UNI SP VD RK1852