If the draft sports policy of the Maharashtra government comes into effect, it would become mandatory for the municipalities to spend five per cent of the budget amount on sports-related activities. "Plots reserved for sports should not be used for any other purpose," is another provision that the policy lays down. The policy, awaiting clearance from finance department, notes that a 1998 circular on reservation of plots for playgrounds and their development, removal of encroachments, etc has never been implemented.
If the local civic bodies do not build sports complexes with training facilities for the aspiring sportpersons, on the plots reserved for the purpose within two years, the state government should acquire them, it says. The Mayor should personally look into how the sports infrastructure can be improved.
