Gill asks states to provide basic infrastructure for sports at Panchayat level

New Delhi, July 9 : Assuring assured all possible Centre's financial support, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. M.S. Gill here today urged the States to make concerted efforts to provide basic infrastructure at Panchayat level.

Inaugurating the conference of the State Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Gill emphasised for promotion of sports at grassroot level as universalisation of sports cannot be achieved without adequate thrust on development of sports at Panchayat level.

He said that Government had already decided to provide one time seed capital to each panchayat and asked the States to send proposals to avail the benefits of the centrally sponsored scheme.

The Minister also apprised the participants about the various initiatives taken by the Central Government recently, which include enhancing the pension and other incentives for outstanding sports person.

The daylong conference is being attended by Ministers from States and senior officers from various concerned Ministries.

The participants will deliberate on issues relating to promotion of sports activities and development of youth.

Some of the major issues relating to sports which will be discussed include the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA), use of sport infrastructure, role of Sports Authority of India and draft schemes for promotion of sports and games in schools, colleges and universities, sports and games for disabled and National Physical Fitness Programme (NPFP).

ANI