The scheme aimed to provide ` one lakh to grama panchayats for identification and development of sports courts for various games such as kho-kho, volleyball and kabaddi.
In the year 2008-09, 23 spots in equal number of grama panchayats were identified for stadium development. Funds to the tune of ` 50,000 was released as the first instalment.
Improper and ineffective utilisation of funds has caused the forfeiture of the remaining funds to be granted to the grama panchayat.
Deputy Director, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr Manjula said the development of sports stadium was not satisfactory. She said work on the stadiums and construction of courts for kho-kho, volleyball and kabaddi would be undertaken by Nirmithi Kendras in future.
Pointing out that a progress report of the scheme is being prepared, she said it would be submitted to the Zilla Panchayat CEO soon to take a decision.
Of the 23 grama panchayats identified, Khayataghatta Grama Panchayat has submitted utilisation certificate even though a single rupee has not been spent for development of sports, Manjula added.
While three or four grama panchayats had utilised the funds for encouraging sport, majority had failed to make use of the scheme. In few places, lack of clear planning has led to mud being washed off from the sports courts due to heavy rains.
Manjula observed that supervising work of stadium construction is difficult as the department lacks designated supervisors. She blamed lack of enthusiasm of the grama panchayats for having failed to implement the scheme.
For the financial year 2009-10, 23 additional grama panchayats had been identified for improving sports infrastructure. However, the funds are yet to be released. Instead of grama panchayats, there are improved chances that the development of stadiums will be undertaken by Nirmithi Kendras and Karnataka Rural Development Institute.
