Rs 14.75 Cr spent on Khelo India projects in J&K: J&K Govt in Assembly

Jammu, Mar 25: The Jammu and Kashmir government has spent over Rs 13.67 crore under the Khelo India scheme for sports infrastructure development in the J&K, as per an official response in the ongoing budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.

The details were sought by legislator Sheikh Khursheed Ahmed through a question, seeking details of funds spent or to be spent under the Khelo India Scheme for the development of sports infrastructure in J&K.

Pressing the government for transparency on sports infrastructure projects, Sheikh Khursheed also made a specific reference to North Kashmir’s Langate constituency.

In response, the J&K’s minister for Youth Services and Sports informed the House that the Government of India had sanctioned four projects under Khelo India for J&K during 2018-19, with a total allocation of Rs 14.75 crore. Out of this, Rs 13.67 crore has been utilised so far.

As per the government response, while two projects—synthetic hockey turfs at Polo Ground, Srinagar (Rs 5.33 crore) and K.K. Hakku Stadium, Jammu (Rs 5.39 crore)—have been completed and are now functional, two others remain under construction. These include a synthetic athletic track at Tulibal Sopore, Baramulla, and an indoor sports hall at Shalimar Budgam.

“The Government of India has sanctioned 04 projects under the Khelo India Scheme during the year 2018-19 & released funds amounting to Rs 14.75 Cr, against which Rs 13.67 Cr has been incurred. Out of 04 projects, 02 projects have been completed & are functional, and 02 projects are under process,” the government said in its response.

The government clarified that Khelo India was a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Gol, which was state-wise based, and was not a constituency-based scheme, meaning no projects were directly sanctioned for Langate under this initiative.

The government, however, pointed out that Rs 1.91 crore had been allocated for sports infrastructure in Langate under the Capex Budget. The projects include the development of playfields at Pandithpora, Ashpora, and Kutlari Mawer, a football ground at Kulangam, an open-air gym, and a roller-skating facility at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Langate.