Sports Ministry would figure amongst top five ministries: Valvi

Maharashtra Sports and Youth Welfare minister Advocate Padmakar Valvi assured that during his tenure the sports ministry which was earlier neglected would figure amongst top five ministries.
He was speaking during the Meet the Press programme organised by Sports Journalists’ Associaiton of Nagpur at its office located at Vivekanand Nagar on Thursday.
Speaking further Advocate Valvi who is the first minister of sports and youth welfare of cabinet rank said " I am happy with this ministry. I also agree that earlier it was neglected. The ministers were generally reluctant for this portfolio but during my tenure I would change the perception. I assure you that if I complete the tenure as a sports minister, it will find the place amongst top five ministries in the State".
Advocate Valvi also warned those officials who harass the sportspersons. " I will not hesitate to take action against such officials".
About Divisional Sports Complex he said, " I know it will be very difficult to maintain such huge sports complex. Its maintenance is basic issue and for that some amount from the government funds will be kept in fixed deposit for its maintenance. In this regard I will talk to concerned officials".
He further lamented that State sports development fund has been totally neglected. At present there are only Rs 6 crore in the fund. " I will ensure that the this fund should be utilised properly and efforts will be made to raise more fund".
Advocate Valvi also assured to increase the funds for taluka as well as district-level sports meets. To bring the smoothness in the functioning of DSOs and directors, a vehicle will be provided to them, said the minister.
He said he will ask for the proposal for the decentralisation of sports department. More powers will be given to deputy director of sports for the smooth functioning of the department.
About Raut sisters who are yet deprived of flats announced by the then chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh from government quote, the minister said, " Actually it is in the jurisdiction of chief minister to allot the flat. But I assure you that sports department will pursue the matter".
Deputy director of sports Dr Jaiprakash Duble, president of Radhikatai Pandav Charitable Trust Girish Pandav, joint director of sports Patil and others were also present on the occasion.
Earlier SJAN president Dr Ram Thakur welcomed the guests. Vice-president Naresh Shelke conducted the proceedings.

16-12-2010

Report Courtesy Lokmat Times