The Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) has rapped the state government for utter neglect towards the preservation of the state's rich sports culture and failing to equip sportspersons to face international-level challenges.
CAG has recommended that the state government prepare a comprehensive plan by duly conducting a survey on the existing sports facilities and on future needs. Meanwhile, the government will have to ensure the release of adequate funds in a timely manner and make sure they are utilised efficiently and effectively.
Even though the state government formulated a Sports Policy in 2012, it is yet to be translated into an action plan. The government has not even put in place any long-term plan for its implementation which has resulted in delays in the execution of schemes due to the non-acquisition of land, change in design and scope of works and short or later release of funds.
CAG, in its report for the year ending March 2017, has castigated the state government for the lack of optimal utilisation of sports infrastructure due to the short release of funds for maintenance and repairs. Additionally, CAG observed that despite the availability of funds, players were deprived of opportunities to improve their skills, performance and to compete.
Though the 2012 policy's emphasis was on the creation of sports infrastructure, it has failed to yield the desired outcome. As of July 2017, only 91 sports complexes were completed as against the target of 421. In selected divisions, districts and talukas, the work on sports complexes at all three levels was found to be delayed or incomplete due to the non-release of funds, non-availability of land, incorrect site selection and contractual issues.
The state government had established 11 residential academies with an intake capacity of 1,045 players including the academy at Pune which controls the functioning of the remaining 10 academies. However, the actual intake at these academies ranged between 54 per cent and 74 per cent during 2012-17, which led to their under-utilisation.
As per the sports policy, one non-residential academy was to be opened in every district with a maximum of 25 players by providing a monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000 to coaches and daily diet expenses of Rs 50 to players. Out of the 11 existing sports academies, non-residential sports academies were started only in Akola, Amravati, Kolhapur, Nashik, and Pune. However the functioning of both residential and non-residential academies has suffered due to the lack of regular fund flow, inadequate coaching, lack of adequate sports facilities and basic amenities.
STATE'S NEGLECT
- During 2012-17, against the provision of Rs 1,434,71 crore, the state government released Rs 730 crore (51 per cent).
- Against the total released grant of Rs 733 crore (both central and state), an expenditure of Rs 576 crore (78 per cent) was incurred.
- Sports infrastructure in the state lacks qualified and capable coaches, focused training, and proper maintenance.
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