State lacks basic amenities and facilities for sports

MUMBAI: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has lambasted the Maharashtra Government for its alleged inability to create adequate sports infrastructure in the state despite incurring a whopping expenditure of Rs 576 crore. As per the CAG report released on Wednesday, on ‘General and Social sector’ a performance audit of management of sports infrastructure in the state during the period 2012-17 revealed that even though the sports policy was formulated in 2012, it was yet to be translated into an action plan.

“No long term plan was prepared for implementation of the policy. There were delays in execution of the schemes due to non acquisition of land, change in design and scope of work and short or late release of funds. There was short release of funds for maintenance and repairs. As a result the infrastructure created could not be optimally utilised. The functioning of sports academies also suffered from problems like less intake, inadequate coaching, lack of sports facilities and basic amenities. This impacted performance at national, state and international level games,” the CAG report, tabled in the state legislature, said.

Though emphasis was given on creation of sports infrastructure, there was no desired outcome due to absence of qualified and capable coaches and focused training. The release of funds was significantly less than the demands made, the report added.

The report reviewed issue expenditure for sports complexes, development of playgrounds, development of gymnasium, sports academies, coaching centres and camps in different parts of the state.