A sporting gesture is all that they need

For the past two days Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad has been abuzz with frenzied competitive activity what with several age-group events, including kabaddi, tennis, tennikoit, being held almost simultaneously.

Not surprisingly, there has been an overwhelming presence of coaches, old-timers, and those who have just hung up their shoes. Most were around to oversee the protégés parading their talents. In the medley were familiar faces, sportspersons who are still active on the battlefield.

On interacting with them, one could not miss the aloofness of these ‘achievers’ who seemed lost in a world of their own, one which offers no hope of a prosperous and secure tomorrow. They all vainly hope that the authorities (read it as governmental agencies) will put an end to the gloomy days by offering jobs based on their meritorious performances.

After speaking to some of them, there was this conclusive feeling that they were a frustrated lot having hit a dead-end with hardly any scope of landing up government jobs under sports quota that is otherwise earmarked for sportspersons with proven achievements.

There was a glim mer of hope when a GO (MS No 74) was issued way back on August 9, 2012 that mandated implementation of two percent reservation as a reward for excellence in sports. This, ostensibly, was applicable to all government-run departments, corporations, Staff Selection Committees and grant-in-aid establishments.

Sadly, the ‘hopefuls’ were left in the lurch as nothing of the sort transpired. In the absence of Aladdin chirag, their grandiose ‘future’ dreams ended up as illusory mirages. Alas, even now nothing seems to be happening, on that particular front.

‘When the first Telangana State Government assumed office, we were overjoyed because the local achievers stood a chance of getting their due share of recognition and employment.

Today, we are disillusioned because despite the overenthusiastic and heart-warming talks of promoting sports and ushering in a vibrant culture, nothing concrete is happening on the ground,’ decried most of them present at the venues.

The ire stems from the notifications that have been issued recently by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC), which is almost like a single-window recruitment agency for a majority of State Government jobs. There was no mention about the two percent reservation, pointed out one of them in utter disgust.

This comes in contrast to the functioning of the Telangana State Level Police Recruitment Board (TSLPRB), which has set a welcome precedent by actually going about quota implementation, albeit in its own modest way.

TSPSC Chairman Ghanta Chakarapani clarifies that the State Government, on the recommendation of the Sports Department, should issue a GO whereupon such a quota could be incorporated while issuing future notifications.

A veteran, conceding that this certainly was true, wonders why the government that had no qualms while rewarding sportspersons who brought Olympic and international fame to the undivided Andhra Pradesh should now put on hold a sports quota GO that is already in place, even if that has never been implemented.

His argument is that it is never too late for the promises to get off the blocks.Thousands of economically-poor athletes can hope for a government job and earn global fame for his employer, similar to what is happening with those employed by major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) on the reservation for recruitment under sports quota policy.

The Government, in coordination with the Principal Secretary of Sports, the concerned Minister and Sports Authority of Telangana State, would do well if it actually begins the process of giving a fillip to young talented sportspersons (devoid of prize-money or endorsements) looking for a ‘secure’ livelihood then merely rewarding professionals who already have millions in their bank accounts and whose interests are taken care of by corporate houses.

An illustrious athlete who gets peace of mind with an assured government job also helps in spotting talent and grooming them. Correspondingly, they can boost the image of the State with their own performances. Sportspersons employed by PSUs and national institutions like railways and banks, epitomise this privileged category.

The State Government must take this issue on a priority basis and make use of the sportspersons, including those highly qualified, as a policy decision. Assured of a job, the motivated athletes can only get better. The end gainer will be the State Government, which can also use these celebrities (who will feel obligated) as ambassadors to promote Brand Telangana.

In terms of value-based returns, taking care of the welfare of sports achievers will be more pragmatic than Ministers becoming patrons of established Associations; heading State-level sports bodies; inaugurating championships or giving away prizes.

All that is needed to jumpstart this confidence-building exercise and add spark to the lives of sportspersons, who strive to enhance the status of the State and the nation, is in giving the green signal to the sports quota recruitment. Where there is a will…

By:Sridhar K Penna