MUMBAI, October 15: Despite the poor response to the state government scheme offering grants, up to Rs 1 lakh each, to schools and clubs for developing sports facilities on their land, the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare has promulgated another scheme -- this time for colleges. Deputy director of the department Narayan Shrote told Express Newsline the District Sports Office (DSO) will offer grants between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh to colleges for improving or developing their sports infrastructure. The scheme came into effect less than two weeks ago, he said.Express Newsline had reported on September 23 that a similar scheme for schools and clubs had bombed, as not a single school had applied. The DSO was therefore faced with the embarrassing prospect of returning funds, to the tune of Rs 6 lakh, to the government coffers.
Shrote had expressed surprise that the scheme had found no takers in Mumbai despite being over-subscribed in other districts. Schools argue that the procedures forobtaining the grant are laborious, and it was often better to go with a begging bowl to private companies as they give you Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 without much trouble.
Against this backdrop, it is not sure how many colleges will approach the DSO. Shrote says, ``We are yet to receive any applications for the school scheme, but I will not return the money till March. Meanwhile, I have a fresh grant of Rs 6 lakh for colleges. Let us see how the response is.''
The schemes are part of the District Planning and Development Council blueprint to shore up sports infrastructure in the state.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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