Sporty part of Gujarat budget is dominated by Khel Mahakumbh

Gujarat’s Narendra Modi government has decided to pump-in huge money to boost sports’ culture in the state in 2011-12 financial year. However most of the part of the total allocation(new items) in sports sector is occupied by Khel Mahakumbh. Looking at the allocation figures of new items in the budget, it seems the state government believes that annual Khel Mahakumbh would be a major factor for generating sports culture in the state.

As per the draft of Gujarat budget 2011-12 the government is going to spend Rs.67,76,95,000 for Khel Mahakumbh -the state level Olympic like event. Khel Mahakumbh was started by the state government last year by spending Rs. 19 crore. The government later decided to organize such event every year. Accordingly, this year the state level sports extravaganza will be organized at a cost of whooping Rs. 68 crore.

“It is proposed to undertake Every year Khel-mahakumbh activates / programme in the state. for this purpose an amount of Rs.67,76,95,000/- will be required during the year 2011-12. Accordingly, it is proposed to provide an amount of Rs.67,76,95,000/- in the Budget Estimate of the year 2011 -2012,” says the budget draft.

Moreover the government has also decided to organize a sport event for senior citizens at a cost of Rs. 20,35,000. The budget draft states: No event has to be organized for Senior Citizens by the department. To keep them physically fit and encourage to participate in the difference sports activities, it is necessary to arrange sports event for them. For this purpose Rs. 20,35,000/- is required in the year 2011-12. Accordingly, it is proposed to provide an amount of Rs.20,35,000/- in the Budget Estimate of the year 2011 -2012.

The government has proposed to establish Sports University in the state this year, for which Rs. 10,00,00,000 are allotted for year 2011-12. The draft states:”t is required to co-ordinate various related activities at the state level viz. modification of laws and statutory requirements, to prepare detailed project report of proposed Sport University, to create post graduate and research facility, requirement of supporting and other staff etc. For this it is proposed to provide an amount of Rs.10,00,00,000/- /- in the Budget Estimate of the year 2011 -2012.

The government has mentioned another new initiative in this year’s budget as far as sports is concerned. As per this, tribal people will be trained for sports with all possible facilities. The draft states: “To scout natural talent in their indigenous games from tribal, and other regions, which are either genetically or geographically advantageous for excellence in a particular sports discipline. The trainees admitted under the residential scheme are provide free boarding and lodging facilities, sports kit, sports equipment competition exposure, insurance, medical, expenses etc, and Non – residential trainees monthly stipend, sports kit, sports equipment, exposure, insurance, coverage etc. For this purpose Rs.1,28,20,000/- is required in the year 2011-12. Accordingly, it is proposed to provide an amount of Rs.1,28,20,000/- in the Budget Estimate of the year 2011 -2012.”

According to budget draft, the state government will strengthen the mountaineering institute at Abu by providing Museum hall, Auditorium, Principal Quarter, Eco-friendly generator, Entrance Steps, Apex Colour etc at estimated cost of Rs. 1,32,45,000 this year. Similarly a mountaineering centre at Junagadh namely Pandit Dindayal Upadhyaya Mountaineering Centre where the campus and courses are organized in the forest area will host new residential structure of fabricated material for Honorary Instructor which will be constructed this year at a cost of Rs.12,00,000.

It is interesting to note that in recently concluded National games at Jharkhand, Gujarat’s rank was 27th in winning the number of medals. Gujarat secured zero gold medal and shared its this disappointing position with the states like Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Even small state like Sikkim could secure one gold medal while small Manipur remained on the first rank among all states by winning 48 gold medals.

It would be interesting to know whether Modi’s idea to organize Khel Mahakumbh proves to be a game changer or not in next few years, so far as Gujarat’s sports performance nationally and internationally is concerned. It is generally believed that the state-of-the-art infrastructure and long-term nourishment of talents with all encouragement and facilities yield good results in sports sector for any country or team. However when it comes to Modi, it is well-known that he is more inclined towards events. Whether Vibrant Gujarat in business sector, or Navratri/Kite flying and Rann Utsav in tourism sector, or Khel Mahakumbh in sports sector.