Puducherry, Mar 16 (PTI) Puducherry Home and Education Minister A Namassivayam announced the creation of a separate department for sports and youth affairs in the Union Territory aimed at encouraging outdoor activities among the youngsters.
Replying to questions raised by members belonging to both treasury and opposition blocs in the Assembly, Namassivayam said sports had all along been seen as a part of the Directorate of Education but it has now been decided to establish a dedicated department to promote sports in the UT.
In the Budget for 2023-24, the government has allocated Rs 530 crore for sports. "This amount would be used to create infrastructure in rural and urban areas to provide incentives to sportspersons and construction of stadiums," Namassivayam said.
The minister's announcement in the House came after several MLAs from both sides of the aisle raised queries about development of sports.
Independent MLA P R Siva said development of sports and attracting the youth to various games would wean them away from "evil influences such as ganja". He said the menace of ganja had reared its head among school children.
DMK member Annibal Kennedy wanted the government to make sure the Indira Gandhi sports complex in Uppalam was maintained properly by officials.
Ruling BJP members P M L Kalyanasundaram and A John Kumar, AINRC legislators U Lakshmikanthan and Baskar along with DMK member L Sampath made a strong case for the setting up of a department for sports and youth affairs. PTI COR HDA