Insufficient funds mar development of playgrounds

Tribune News Service

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Jammu, July 6

What to talk of developing playgrounds in far flung rural areas of the state under the Centrally sponsored scheme, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), even the playgrounds within the city and its outskirts cry for attention.

In the recently held District Development Board (DDB) meeting of Jammu district, which was also attended by the officers of the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), it was proposed to increase allotment of funds for the district office. “Yes, enhancement in release of amount for the DYSS, Jammu, was sought in the meeting which has more constituencies than other districts of the division,” sources claimed.

“Jammu district has more than 10 constituencies and each constituency has a number of playgrounds, which are very difficult to develop under the existing funding pattern,” they added.

Jammu district got an amount of Rs 13.50 lakh for the development of playgrounds and purchase of sports materials for the year 2014-15. The sources added that there had not been much difference in the allotment of funds to other districts for development of playgrounds.

Meanwhile, when contacted, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO), Jammu, Sukhdev said, “The department is trying its level best to develop playgrounds whether within the city or on the outskirts with the available resources.”

When asked whether present fund allotment is sufficient to develop playgrounds and purchase sports equipment for Jammu district, the DYSSO said, “Other districts have less number of playgrounds in their respective constituencies, while Jammu district has more playgrounds, which need regular maintenance because most of the important competitions are conducted in the playgrounds located in Jammu city or its outskirts. May be the present fund allocation for development of playgrounds is not sufficient, but we have no option but to continue with it,” he added.

A total of 37 playgrounds were developed under the RGKA in 2013-14 in Samba district. Two more playgrounds — Government High School, Mahal Sahan, and Government Higher Secondary School, Sonara — were taken up for development during that year.