In reply to a question by Congress MLC R V Venkatesh on the creation of a rural sports fund, Shekar responded by saying that there is no provision for such a fund, which immediately provoked other members to question the inactivity of the department.
Venkatesh added, “The rural folk often do not need money for equipment because they play games such as Kho-Kho and Kabaddi. The least the government can do is provide encouragement.” Senior member M C Nanaiah said, “There are sports such as Kambala and cock-fighting, which are vanishing. The department should at least identify dying sports to initiate appropriate action.”
He also suggested the government to give work as well as funds to the minister so that he can work.
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