Over 10 cr as central assistance for Chhattisgarh under PYKKA

With this, a total grant of Rs 15.17 crore has so far been sanctioned to the state for development and maintenance of playfields.

"In Chhattisgarh, the scheme is being implemented through the Sports and Youth Welfare Department. A sum of Rs 5.06 crore was provided to the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Government of Chhattisgarh upto 31st March, 2012 (first installment for the first year) for development and maintenance of 982 village panchayats and 14 block panchayats," the Ministry said in a statement.

Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) aims at development and maintenance of playfields in village and block panchayats across the country.

"Under the PYKKA, which was introduced in 2008-09, playfields are developed and maintained in villages and block panchayats across the country in a phased manner and competitions are conducted annually at block, district, state and national level.

"The scheme aims at creation of basic sports infrastructure in 2.50 lakh village panchayats and 6400 block panchayats in a phased manner over a period of 10 years."

The scheme also provides for central assistance to for holding annual rural sports competitions as block, district, state and national levels as also financial support for conducting National Women Championships and North East Games.

"51,759 village panchayats and 1,538 block panchayats have been covered under the PYKKA Scheme, during the last four years (2008-09 to 2011-12) for development and maintenance of playfields."