Jammu, Dec 21: In a significant move aimed at ensuring transparency and adherence to established rules, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has directed general secretaries of all recognized and affiliated sports associations to submit detailed information regarding government employees and political individuals holding positions within sports bodies operating in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
A notification issued by the Chief Accounts Officer (CAO) of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council calls upon the general secretaries of UT-recognised sports associations to provide information on government employees and politically affiliated persons serving in the sports bodies, citing a breach of Rule 26(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) constitution and Rule 21(1)(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971.
“The CAO has directed all general secretaries to submit the names of office bearers, along with relevant supporting documents like No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), by December 24, 2024, both in hard copy format and via email,” the notification states.
Sources have confirmed that more than 60 individuals, including government officials and political figures, hold positions as office bearers in sports associations affiliated with the JKSC. “Currently, 53 sports associations are affiliated with the J&K Sports Council, most of which have representatives either from government bodies or political parties,” sources said.
According to sources, many of these government employees, including retired bureaucrats and police officers, are holding prominent roles in key sports bodies. “These individuals have not submitted the mandatory NOCs from their respective departments to the J&K Sports Council, though submission of NOCs is a requirement under the rules,” sources added.
They further revealed that the last submission of NOCs by government representatives was made in 2018. Additionally, several politically connected individuals with no sports backgrounds are serving as office bearers in various associations, further raising concerns about compliance with the rules.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council’s directive is seen as an effort to address the long-standing issue of governance and ensure greater transparency in the functioning of sports bodies in the region.