Maha govt approves lease renewal policy forplaygrounds

The Maharashtra government Thursday approved a lease renewal policy for playgrounds that are allotted to schools, colleges and gymnasiums.

As per the policy, the schools, colleges and gymnasiums will have to pay 0.1 per cent of the 10 per cent of the market value of the plot for renewing leases.

"This means that if the ready reckoner price of the plot is Rs 1 crore then they will have to pay Rs 1000 as lease amount every year for the next 30 years," an official from the Chief Minister's office said.

He added that currently, there is no policy for lease renewal of playgrounds allotted on to school, colleges and gymnasiums.

The state government used to grant these playgrounds on a nominal lease amount of Re 1 per annum for 15 to 30 years, and now lease of many of them have expired.

In Maharashtra, there are around 1000 plots that were given on lease.

Under the new policy, the lease for playgrounds can be renewed for 30 years.

The official said the fresh rates will be applicable from January 1, 2018 for renewing lease.

Till December 31, 2017, the managements will be charged lease rent as per old rates Re 1, he said.

The state cabinet also approved aproposal of adopting Khel-India programme for the year 2018-19 to develop and boost budding players as well as sport activities in the state.

The government also hopes to get fund from the centre to develop playgrounds with best facilities.

"Playground development, collective (sports teachers) training programme, establishment of state-level Khel India centres, annual competitions, search of talented players and providing scholarships to develop their game, the use of sport infrastructure and production-improvement are the key objectives of adopting the scheme," the official said.

State Sports Minister Vinod Tawde said the decision will help develop abilities of sports persons.

"We are sure that the decision will boost sportsmen spirit and help develop international level coaches and sportsman and also will get funds from the centre for the upliftment of laygrounds," he said.

It has also been decided to create a nodal agency for the implementation of the scheme.