JOIN US'Youth policy for Kolar district should be ready in a week'
Projects in the district related to the youth policy of the State government should be readied in a week, said Deputy Commissioner Dr D S Vishwanath.
“Many youngsters have complained about the workstyle of the Youth Services and Sports Department. The problems of the Department should therefore be solved within a month,” he instructed assistant director of the department M L Devika. He addressed a meeting on the youth policy at his office on Monday.
Devika, in reply, tried to warn the Deputy Commissioner of the problems the Department would have if strict measures or steps were taken to implement the policy. She also blamed her predecessor for the problems in the Department.
Vishwanath, however, told her not to pass the buck but take it as a chance to fulfill the work. “Also, a government officer should never be afraid of taking strict measures about anything,” he advised Devika.
Workshop
A workshop on the youth policy will be organised soon, said the assistant director.The DC told Devika to set a date after the poll to the State Legislative Council on June 20. “Grants up to Rs 75,000 have been provided for the expenses of the workshop,” he added.
“Bagalkot has stadia in three taluk centres. Here, the stadium in the district centre lacks basic facilities,” he rued.
Vishwanath also reminded officers that they were responsible for the implementation of and problems related to any programme. “Don't just sit quietly, hoping the committees led by the deputy commissioner and the chief executive officer will complete work.
Officers of all departments should join hands and respond to the problems and needs of the youth. Then, you will get the support of the youth in turn,” he added.
H R Bhagawandas, Additional Superintendent of Police, also expressed dissatisfaction about the condition of the district stadium in Kolar.
He instructed the Department officers to install lamps all around the stadium, install athletics tracks, clocks and radio inside. Necessary steps will be taken to prevent illegal activities taking place in the stadium, he warned.
People unhappy
Representatives of various organisations, who attended the preparatory meeting, preferred to express their dissatisfaction about the functioning of the Department.
Jannaghatta Krishnamurthy, folk singer, called the Department a dead force in the district. “No proper youth fests, melas or any other activities are organised in the district.
The officers have failed to promote sportspersons and artistes, even after we complained to the commissioner of the Department,” he said.
Maheshrao Kadam, dancer, said the Department was not pro-youth. “The basketball ground is used for motorbike training. The fee of the gymnasium has been doubled, from Rs 50 to Rs 100. The district is used for playing local games rather than professional,” he complained.
There were also complaints about a fall in the number of students at the sports residential school managed by the Department, in spite of claims of excellent facilities in the school. “Athletes in rural areas get no promotion. No taluk-level meeting was organised in the last three years,” said some of the representatives.
“We need assistance to participate in international athletic events,” requested senior athlete V Marappa.
Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer P Rajendra Cholan, PWD executive engineer T Venkatachala and others were present at the meeting.