Unpaid liabilities for Bakshi, MA Stadiums expose fiscal planning gap of over Rs 47 cr
Arteev Sharma
Jammu, April 2: A Parliamentary Panel has observed that Jammu and Kashmir is fast emerging as a “sports hub”, thanks to improved infrastructure and regular sporting events, providing local players with better opportunities to qualify for national and international competitions.
The Department-related Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports, in its 366th report on the Demands for Grants 2025-26 for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, presented in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, noted that sports are being increasingly promoted as economic and cultural activities in the Union Territory.
The report revealed that the panel, during its meeting with the officials from Department of Youth and Sports, was informed about a significant gap between the Budget Estimates (BE) for the financial year 2025-26 and the allocated budget for J&K under the initiative to enhance sports facilities.
This shortfall was attributed to committed liability for completed projects, including the renovation and development of Bakshi Stadium and M.A. Stadium under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), which had a total cost of Rs 97.85 crore.
“Briefing the Committee on the allocation of funds under the Scheme, the Department explained that for the financial year BE 2024-25 is Rs.8 crores, Revised Estimates (RE) 2024-25 is Rs.6 crores. But the proposed BE 2025-26 is Rs.67.03 crores and while allotted BE 2025-26 is Rs.20 crores only,” the report said, adding “The reasons for variation were to meet out the committed liability in respect of the completed works ‘Renovation and Development of Bakshi Stadium and M.A. Stadium’ under PMDP at the total cost of Rs. 97.85 crores”.
“This Scheme (Khelo India) is an important tool for promotion of peace and development. Sports infrastructure and Sports facilities in Jammu and Kashmir are being developed for giving opportunity to the youth of the state for engaging in Sports activities,” the report said.
The Committee understood that enhanced infrastructure for J&K is provided to create better prospects for sportspersons. “The Committee recommends that in J&K, the improvement of sports infrastructure and the regular happening of sports events in Jammu and Kashmir has made it an emerging hub of sports. Be it cricket, martial arts, volleyball, athletics and other sports, regular competitions are being organised in the Union Territory under the ‘Khelo India’ programme,” the report said.
It further said, “This has encouraged many players to qualify for national and international sports events. Hence, the organization of Sports events and activities is being promoted as a economic and cultural activity also.
Pertinently, players from Jammu and Kashmir have recently made a mark at national and international sporting events, showcasing their talent and determination on prestigious platforms. With improved infrastructure and consistent training support, sportspersons from the Union Territory are excelling across various disciplines, earning accolades and recognition.
The facelift of MA Stadium in Jammu was completed with an amount of Rs 42.17 crores by the National Projects Construction Corporation (NPCC) under PMDP. However, the BCCI appointed team had recently pointed out various shortcomings in the upgradation and renovation of the Stadium.
