Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has drawn up a district-wise roadmap for expansion, upgradation and better utilisation of sports infrastructure, with a focus on equitable access, athlete development and timely completion of projects.
The roadmap was discussed during a review meeting chaired by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who assessed the status of sports infrastructure, ongoing capital works, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) projects across the Union Territory.
Officials informed the meeting that the department has taken up 210 new sports projects under Capex and 17 under SASCI, involving a cumulative investment of over ₹500 crore. Around ₹160 crore has already been released to the concerned departments and executing agencies.
Dr Choudhary directed agencies to expedite tendering and execution while maintaining quality standards and ensuring timely completion of projects. He stressed that the focus should be on making existing facilities functional and accessible in addition to creating new infrastructure.
The meeting decided to undertake a comprehensive district-wise assessment of sports infrastructure, including playfields, stadiums, indoor facilities and other sporting assets. Existing facilities will be mapped and geotagged to identify infrastructure gaps, underserved areas and requirements for expansion and upgradation.
The Commissioner Secretary called for greater involvement of local youth and sporting communities in planning sports facilities and stressed the need to improve access in border areas, remote regions, hilly terrain, tribal belts and other underserved locations.
He also emphasised linking infrastructure development with talent identification and athlete development, stating that sports facilities should support coaching, competitions, fitness training and progression of promising sportspersons.
The meeting reviewed the status of regularisation of Rehbar-e-Khel (ReK) workers. Officials said formalities for regularisation of around 1,800 ReKs are at an advanced stage, while a proposal covering another 500 has been submitted to the Finance Department.
Dr Choudhary directed that the process be pursued on priority to complete regularisation of all eligible ReKs during the current year, subject to required statutory and financial clearances.
The meeting also reviewed issues related to Physical Education Masters, Zonal Physical Education Officers and Physical Education Lecturers, including career progression, regularisation and pending promotions.
Dr Choudhary directed preparation of district-level action plans and close monitoring of projects to ensure sports facilities across Jammu and Kashmir become more accessible, functional and responsive to the needs of youth and athletes.
