Panjab University Sports Directorate to fill key posts soon

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, April 18

Draft of process to appoint officials to key posts of the Directorate of Sports, Panjab University, which has won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the past three consecutive years and 16 times since its inception, is likely to be completed in the coming days, confirmed sources.

‘Have written to centre’

We have already written to the competent authority and the MHRD. The key posts are likely to be filled soon, perhaps including a regular Director (Sports). — Prof Prashant Gautam

The department, which is headed by Prof Prashant Gautam, under additional charge after the death of former Director (Sports) Parminder Singh Ahluwalia, is struggling to fill key posts of assistant directors, deputy directors and clerical staff for the past nearly three years. “We have already written to the competent authority and the MHRD, Government of India. The key posts are likely to be filled soon, perhaps including a regular Director (Sports),” added Gautam.

Meanwhile, in a recent update, Dr Rakesh Malik, one of the deputy directors of the Directorate of Sports, has also joined as Director (Sports) at Dr Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh). Sources confirmed that Malik has joined as Director (Sports) on extraordinary leave from Panjab University. However, his elevation, as Director (Sports) in some other university is being considered as a positive sign for Panjab University in terms of getting a regular Director (Sports) at PU. Malik has spent a majority of time representing PU at various levels and also has the experience of running administration under five Directors (Sports) in the past 10 years, claimed sources.

VC keen on promoting sports

Sources maintained that after winning MAKA Trophy thrice consecutively, the Vice-Chancellor is also keen to fill the vacant posts in the department. “Considering the past scenario, the post of Directorate of Sports has remained a bone of contention between many officials. However, over the period of time, things got managed. If these key posts keep on lying vacant for a long time, it may not go well for the authorities,” said a source. The Panjab University is looking forward to completing many key projects, including setting up a synthetic athletics track, streamlining coaching at affiliated colleges and attracting meritorious sportspersons to the university.