Corporates will be roped in to sponsor sports at govt complexes: Minister Mahajan

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THE STATE government is planning to rope in companies to adopt and sponsor sports at sports complexes under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The move is expected to expedite the implementation of the 2003 policy to create a sports complex in each taluka.

The government approved 380 sports complexes across the state in 2003, of which only 126 have come up so far. The maintenance cost of these sports complexes has escalated from Rs 1 crore per year to Rs 3 crore per year, and the establishment and maintenance cost of the remaining sports complexes has escalated from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore per year.

State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Girish Mahajan said in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, “Promoting sports is an important commitment for the Maharashtra government. It is unfortunate that the decision was taken to set up sports centres in 2003, and for 19 years, the government has not been able to meet its target. As soon as the legislature’s session concludes, I will hold a meeting with my department, figure out the problems and how to resolve them.”