GUWAHATI, March 12 � The State Government has allocated Rs 12.19 crore in the Plan Budget for sports.
Tabling the Budget in the State Assembly today for the year 2012-13, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who is also in charge of the Finance Department, said Rs 10 crore has been proposed for maintenance and renovation of sports infrastructure while Rs 60 lakh is earmarked for coaching of sportspersons and purchasing equipment. On the other hand, Rs 88.60 has been earmarked for the development of grounds under Panchayat Yuva Krira Aur Yuva Krira Abhijan (PYYKA). Rupees 40 lakh will be distributed among sportspersons as scholarship.
Sporting buffs of the State believe that the budget is not at all sufficient for developing sports and games in the State. For instance Rs 60 lakh is too less for coaching and purchasing equipment. A quality football costs around Rs 400 while the cost of a bow is around Rs 1.2 lakh. The cost of all the quality sports equipment are so high that sporting talents from rural areas hardly can�t think of laying their hands on such equipment. To compete at high level, youngsters have to practice with quality equipment under highly qualified coaches. But with such a low budget, the State Government cannot afford to purchase good equipment and employ high class coaches.
Moreover, if out of Rs 12.19, Rs 10 crore is spent for renovation and maintanance of existing infrastructure the remaining amount is too less for other activities and for grooming young talents.
