5 september 2024 : The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has spotlighted significant issues within Punjab’s Sports Department, revealing delays in fund releases, poor management, and insufficient infrastructure. The report, presented in the Vidhan Sabha, indicates that the state’s plans to build and upgrade sports facilities were hampered by financial and site-related obstacles, and existing infrastructure was poorly maintained.
The audit, conducted from October 2022 to February 2023, highlighted a 47% deficit in the sanctioned strength of sports personnel. It also pointed out that maintenance standards for current facilities fell short. The report, which covers activities from April 2019 to March 2022, included an entry meeting with the Director (Sports) and an exit meeting discussing the findings.
The report criticized the Punjab State Sports Council (PSSC) for impeding the Central Government’s “Khelo India” initiative due to delays in land acquisition and fund mismanagement. It also featured photographs of dilapidated sports facilities, including the Polo Ground stadium in Patiala and various stadiums in SAS Nagar and Faridkot.
Additionally, the report noted that 300 multigyms purchased in 2021 remained unused due to lack of installation directives. The shortage of coaches was also a concern, with only 347 out of the 688 sanctioned positions filled, affecting the quality of coaching available to athletes.