PM announces Rs 200 cr package to engage J&K youths in sports

The package provides for construction of indoor sporting halls in all districts of the State with a view to provide playing facilities to youth during long winter in the state.

Two stadia in the State capitals of Srinagar and Jammu will be upgraded to the international standards under the package while existing stadia at Poonch and Rajouri and Udhampur will be upgraded. In addition, water sport facilities will be provided at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 crore.

For immediate engagement of youth in the state in sporting activities, a special programme ‘Sports for AII’ is being implemented through J&K State Sports Council which provides for village level competitions and development of popular sports, such as, football etc. An amount of Rs. 5.00 crore has already been provided to J&K State Sports Council for organizing these village level sporting activities. 

Meanwhile, hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Friday asked “all stakeholders” to refrain from meeting the all-party delegation led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh which is scheduled to arrive here on Sunday. The 28-member all-party delegation is slated to hold interactions with various sections in the wake of the latest wave of violence in Kashmir that has left 69 people dead.

In a statement, the Hurriyat hawk said such an exercise would be meaningless as the lawmakers have not recognised Kashmir as a dispute.