The state government will now reconstitute the Panchayat Sports Authority (PSA) under every village panchayat for creation of sports infrastructure and promotion of sports among the rural youth, said Chandana Khan, principal secretary, youth advancement, tour-ism and culture (sports).
Interestingly, the cash-strapped government has also come up with an ingenious way to mobilise funds for the purpose. By paying a minimum of `50,000, one can become member of the proposed PSA. Those who have participated in state-level sports events from the village will be members.
The Centre had launched the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan to promote sports among the ru-ral youth by giving them access to basic sports infrastructure at the panchayat level and help them participate in sports meets at all levels. In tune with the PYKKA aim, the state has decided to re-constitute the PSA for every village panchayat in the state that will meet once a month.
The village sarpanch will be the PSA chairman and the physical education teac-her of the available school under the village panchayat will be member secretary. Money will also be raised through leasing of properties, sale of tickets, beq-uests, donations etc.