Delhi govt to rent out 77 school playgrounds to outsiders

Delhi government has decided to rent out playgrounds of 77 schools run by it to be used by sports associations and clubs to oragnise events after school hours and during holidays.
"It has been observed that the students, youth and citizens of Delhi do not have open space for playing games. Either they have to go to parks in their localities for playing purposes or they use other electronic gadgets for their recreation," a notification issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) said.
"We have longlisted 77 school playgrounds for utilisation before and after school hours as well as on holidays by the local community of that area. Subsequently, the other schools will also be included under the policy after ascertaining the actual availability of playground," it added.

A decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in February.
The playgrounds will be available for two types of bookings- intermittent (for not more than two days) and short duration (not more than seven days). The charges for intermittent bookings range from Rs 200 to Rs 1000 per day depending upon the sport to be played while that for short duration bookings have been set between Rs 200 to Rs 700.
The grounds will be allowed for usage for outdoor playing purpose only to entities such as associations and clubs.

However, for athletics events, individuals will also be allowed for usage of ground for their own practice purposes. The entities will also have to pay Rs 5000 as security which will be refundable.

The athletic practice will be free of cost for disabled persons and school students and there will be a discount for women, people above the age of 45 years and those belonging to BPL category.
The rent charged will be deposited in Vidyalaya Kalyan
Samiti funds which will be used for various purposes including cleaning and maintenance of playground, sanitation facilities and engaging a supervisor for ensuring the safety of government property.
While the schools will not provide any sports material, equipment, furniture, electricity or medical facilities, those booking the playgrounds will have to compensate for any loss or damage of property.

"The playgrounds will be made available generally for 3 hours in a day. No permission will be granted during examination period or any other pre-engagement of the school," the notification said.
"The entity concerned will be responsible for maintaining discipline during the usage time. The players will be allowed to use the playgrounds in proper dress of the game. No pets or playing of loudspeakers will be allowed. The arrival and departure of users shall be monitored," it added.