Uttarakhand bats for a brighter future, takes positive steps to promote sports
The Sports Department of Uttarakhand has been working tirelessly to ensure that future generations have a bright future in sports. It is widely known that taking part in sports helps children in their formative years.
Being involved in a sport reduces stress, improves their moods, keeps them active, and also helps them socialize. Sports can always pave a good path career-wise also, and Uttarakhand's Sports Department is doing its best to promote it.
Under the Chief Minister Udyiyaman Khiladi Yojana, scholarships were announced for all budding athletes (aged between eight to 14 years) from all districts. They have committed to paying ₹1500 per month to a total of 3,900 athletes (150 boys and 150 girls from each district).
Scholarships of ₹2,000 per month have also been announced for 2600 athletes aged between 14 to 23 years. They have also committed to increasing the scholarship amount by 50 to 100 percent for any athlete who shows excellence in their sport.
In the financial year 2022-23, a total of ₹415.97 lakh was distributed as prize money to various athletes in the state as a reward for this success at different levels. This includes 13 athletes who performed admirably at the international level and 49 athletes who excelled at the national level.
Sporting excellence to result in guaranteed jobs
Through Government Order No. 728, the Sports Department of Uttarakhand has also ensured that good performances will be aptly rewarded.
If any athlete performs remarkably, meaning wins medals, in national or international events, they will be rewarded with employment. Gazetted or non-gazetted posts in Uttarakhand in various departments have been identified for this.
So far, appointment letters have been issued to as many as 27 athletes under this program.
Tax exemptions to encourage public contributions
Besides arranging for proper funding to help athletes, arrangements have also been made to ensure various public entities can contribute generously to this endeavor.
Under Section 80-G of the Income Tax Act of 1961, contributions to the Sports Development Fund under the CSR fund are open. This allows taxpayers to claim deductions on donations made to eligible charitable institutions and funds.
A system has also been implemented to determine the rates for commercial use of all the sports infrastructure facilities built by the Sports Department. Furthermore, all income received from it will be transferred to the Sports Development Fund.