Satish Sharma reviews functioning of Youth Services & Sports Deptt

JAMMU, APRIL 1: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma today reviewed functioning of the Department of Youth Services and Sports, focusing on critical administrative and human resource issues.

The review aimed to chart a strategic roadmap for the holistic development of sports and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister addressed the key challenges and explored opportunities to enhance the sports infrastructure, promote youth participation and streamline departmental operations. He emphasised the need for innovative approaches to nurture young talent and encourage sports excellence in the region.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director General Youth Services and Sports Anuradha Gupta, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, Special Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Additional Secretary YSS, Joint Director Finance and other senior officers of the department.

The Minister had a detailed department-wise review of ongoing programmes, institutional mechanisms and field-level operations. He emphasized the need for a results-oriented, transparent and accountable governance framework to ensure that policies translate effectively into outcomes on the ground.

Satish Sharma also reviewed the long pending human resource issues, which he described as “central to the efficiency and morale of the department.”

Detailed discussions were held regarding regularisation of Rehbar-e-Khel (ReK) instructors, with the Minister directing the officers  to fast-track the process by resolving procedural bottlenecks and ensuring a fair, transparent, and time-bound mechanism.

Focusing on the welfare and motivation of grassroots-level workforce, Satish Sharma reviewed the status of National Youth Corps (NYC) volunteers and stressed the urgent need to enhance their honorarium in recognition of their vital contribution in mobilizing youth and implementing sports and developmental programmes at the grassroots level. He further directed the department to examine viable modalities for their phased regularisation, stating that “those who have served the system with dedication deserve institutional support and stability.”

The Minister also took stock of the availability and deployment of human resources across districts and zones, calling for a rational and need-based approach to staffing so that no region remains underserved. He instructed the officers  to identify gaps and submit a comprehensive proposal for strengthening manpower in critical areas.

Satish Sharma also took  a thorough review of ongoing and proposed sports infrastructure projects, including stadiums, indoor sports complexes, playfields and training centers. He stressed the importance of timely completion of all projects, adherence to quality standards and optimal utilization of funds.

“Developing world-class sports infrastructure at the grassroots level is essential for nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities to youth from every corner of the Union Territory,” the Minister said. He further directed that special focus be given to rural and far-flung areas to ensure inclusive and equitable development.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of convergence and coordination between the Department of Youth Services & Sports and the J&K Sports Council for maximizing impact and avoiding duplication of efforts. He called for a unified and synchronized approach in organizing sporting events, talent identification programmes, and coaching initiatives.

Highlighting the transformative power of sports, Satish Sharma reiterated that the government is committed to build a vibrant sports culture that not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters discipline, leadership, and social harmony among youth.

“Sports is a powerful medium to channel the energy of youth in a positive direction. Our aim is to create an enabling environment where talent is identified early, nurtured professionally, and provided with platforms to excel at national and international levels,” he added.

The Minister also directed the officers to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, ensuring regular follow-ups on key decisions and measurable outcomes. He stressed the use of technology and data-driven approaches for better planning, execution, and tracking of departmental initiatives.

Reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, Satish Sharma assured that all genuine concerns of employees, volunteers and stakeholders would be addressed in a time-bound manner.