Kuldeep Gupta Meets Commissioner Secretary GAD: A Plea for Justice for National and International Athletes Awaiting Appointment Orders Under S.O-12
Jammu, 24-06-2024 : Mr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, Secretary of the Vansh Sabre Sports Foundation, met with Commissioner Secretary GAD, Sh. Sanjeev Verma, to address the urgent issue of pending appointment orders for outstanding sportspersons under S.O-12. These athletes, who have represented India at international levels and won medals at events such as the Olympic Games, Para-Olympics, World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, SAF Games, International Cricket Matches, World University Games, and other national-level sports competitions, await their rightful appointments. The sports disciplines in question include athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, swimming, table tennis, kabaddi, fencing, volleyball, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling (international style), boxing, cycling, gymnastics, judo, shooting, archery, equestrian sports, handball, rowing, roller/ice skating, skiing, squash, billiards & snooker, chess, golf, karate, kayaking & canoeing, polo, taekwondo, powerlifting (composite events), yachting, kho-kho, softball, wushu, sports for the physically challenged, baseball, netball, pencak silat, triathlon, and ice hockey.
Mr. Gupta submitted a memorandum to Commissioner Secretary Verma, urging swift action to issue the appointment orders without further delay. He emphasized the dedication and perseverance of these athletes, who have brought laurels to India and Jammu & Kashmir despite numerous hardships, and highlighted their growing resentment due to the prolonged wait. Mr. Gupta also praised Lieutenant Governor Sh. Manoj Sinha, President of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, for his commendable initiatives, including the introduction of a sports policy for outstanding sportspersons. This policy, pending for several years, includes S.O-12, which allows for the direct appointment of five gazetted officers and twenty-five non-gazetted officers annually. Despite these provisions, the appointment orders have been pending for nine years.
Mr. Gupta acknowledged the tireless efforts of Sh. Sanjeev Verma and other committee members, including the Administrative Secretaries of the Home Department, Youth Services & Sports Department, General Administrative Department, Director of Youth Services & Sports Department, and Secretary of J&K Sports Council, who have meticulously scrutinized the eligible sportspersons for direct recruitment under S.O-12. He informed the Commissioner Secretary of the hardships faced by national and international athletes due to the delay in appointments and highlighted cases of athletes who have become overaged during the prolonged process, requesting age relaxation for their appointments.
Kuldeep Kumar Gupta urged that the full quota of appointments pending over the last nine years—five gazetted officers and twenty-five non-gazetted officers—be fulfilled promptly. Commissioner Secretary GAD, Mr. Sanjeev Verma, attentively listened to the issues raised and assured prompt consideration of the memorandum’s recommendations.
