LUCKNOW: As part of its strategy to promote sports in the state, the UP government has set aside more than Rs 200 crore to spend on the sector in the next three months. The funds will be used for the development of sports infrastructure in the state.
As per the action plan prepared by the sports department, a UP sports development fund will be set up before June with a budget of Rs 25 crore. Through this, assistance will be provided to athletes from the state for purchase of equipment and a chance to train abroad. Additionally, players will also be able to get the services of foreign coaches, physiotherapists and psychologists.

An official from the sports department said that a policy on the fund would be prepared and sent to the government for approval. After the policy is approved, the funds would be sanctioned in consultation with the finance department.

In addition to this, Rs 116.72 crore will be used for building and improving sports infrastructure in the state in collaboration with private companies. The official said that development of infrastructure has been marked as a priority by the government for the next three months.

“A working organization will be chosen based on proposals provided by the departmental officers. Further action will be taken after examining the estimate sent by the nominated executive body. In addition to this, the finance department’s opinion will be sought before granting financial approval in relation to the estimated cost,” the official said. He said that for infrastructure to be made on PPP mode, a budget allocation of Rs 50 crore has been proposed.

For this, a policy will be prepared and approval will be sought from the competent authority, he said.