Calcutta: The revamped West Bengal Sports Council, in its first meeting on Monday, decided to promote sports at the grassroots level, utilising the central scheme of Panchayat Yuva Krira Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKA).
“To bring about a widespread development of sports in the state, we need to promote the games at the grassroots level. We will reach out to the rural people through PYKA scheme,” said a member.
However, several members, including vice-chairperson Sourav Ganguly, Sailen Manna and PK Banerjee, were absent.
Sports Minister and chairman of the council Madan Mitra also sought opinion from the members as he looked to expedite the drafting of proposed sports bill. After getting their views, a final draft will be ready for approval.
A proposal was also made to build an indoor stadium near the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, after it’s made into a full-fledged football stadium.
“We are also planning to develop the barren land opposite ITC Sonar, which can be used as training grounds for the big football clubs of the city,” said Mitra.
On the government’s proposal to make sport compulsory in schools, Mohun Bagan’s Anjan Mitra said: “Study will be hampered. It will be taxing for the children.”