Bihar Chief Secretary Mandates CCTV Surveillance and PPP Model for Sports Sector
In a significant move to bolster the state's sports infrastructure, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Thursday issued directives to the sports department aimed at strengthening monitoring mechanisms and fostering transparency. The instructions were delivered during a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Amrit, where he emphasized the need for institutional reforms to drive growth in Bihar's sports sector.
Enhanced Monitoring and Security Measures
Chief Secretary Amrit specifically ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at panchayat-level sports complexes across the state. This initiative is designed to enhance security and ensure proper utilization of these facilities. Additionally, he called for the institutionalization of sports clubs' functioning, which includes assigning each club a district sports officer, a state coach, and a physical education teacher. This structured approach aims to establish accountability at the grassroots level and provide consistent support to athletes and participants.
Promoting Public-Private Partnerships
Amrit strongly advocated for the adoption of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model within the sports sector. He instructed officials to develop a clear policy framework that encourages active participation from all stakeholders, including local industries. "A clear policy framework should be developed for public and private partnerships, ensuring active participation of all stakeholders," he stated, highlighting the potential for private sector involvement to boost sports activities and youth engagement in competitions.
Transparency in Procurement and Equipment Distribution
To prevent monopolies and ensure fairness, the Chief Secretary directed that suppliers and vendors for sports equipment be empanelled through an open call process. This measure is intended to guarantee that all sports clubs receive high-quality equipment at uniform rates, thereby promoting transparency in procurement. Price control mechanisms will also be implemented to oversee these transactions effectively.
Progress on Eklavya Centers and Future Plans
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of 27 Eklavya centers, Amrit urged officials to operationalize the remaining centers as soon as possible. He also mandated regular secretary-level inspections to build a robust monitoring mechanism for the effective implementation of various sports schemes throughout Bihar. In terms of upcoming events, the department informed him about plans for a half marathon scheduled for November and another in February of the following year, indicating a continued focus on promoting athletic activities.
These directives underscore the state government's commitment to revitalizing the sports sector through enhanced oversight, private sector collaboration, and equitable resource distribution, ultimately aiming to foster a more vibrant and inclusive sports culture in Bihar.
