Jharkhand Government is in talks with Central Coalfields limited (CCl) for running the Sports University through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. As of now, the company representatives are on frequent visits to the Mega Sports Complex where the University is to be set up. “The process is yet to take a final shape. Communication with CCl is in the preliminary phase,” said Sports Secretary Avinash Kumar on Thursday. Meanwhile, Sports Authority of Jharkhand (SAJHA) sources pointed that the next visit of CCl officials at the complex is expected on May 4.
If everything goes well, the sports department is mulling to sign MoU with CCl. The government run coal firm would then be given the responsibility of preparing the basic structure of the university. “Around 15 days back, Sports Minister Amar Kumar Bauri has approved the proposal of signing MoU with a private or public party in order to manage the Sports University. The final selection of the company is in the hands of sports department officials,” said Bauri’s Private Secretary Ajit.
Sources maintained the government may sign the MoU with CCl by May 3. Union Coal Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the state capital on the same date and is scheduled to witness various programmes of CCl and state government. Notably, CCl Chief Managing Director (CMD) Gopal Singh had met Chief Minister Raghubar Das few days ago and requested him to think on the running mentioned university on PPP mode.
Bauri during the Assembly Session in March has informed the House that work for opening Sports University was in its last stage where 700 sportspersons can be trained. According to Bauri, the government is stressing more on training and would soon launch insurance scheme for sports persons. After developing the structure, the government will approach University Grants Commission (UGC) for affiliation.