Bhubaneswar: The State government has launched a major initiative to engage youth in Maoist-affected regions through sports and bring them into the social mainstream.
The Department of Sports and Youth Services will distribute sports equipment to 485 villages across 10 Maoist-affected districts under the “Gramodaya” campaign. The initiative follows a call by the chief minister to promote youth engagement and development in remote areas, according to a government release.
The department has sanctioned Rs 2,42,50,000 for the programme. Each identified village will receive a sports kit worth Rs 50,000.
Youth in Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada districts will benefit from the initiative.
Each village kit will include equipment for outdoor games such as cricket, football, volleyball, and badminton. It will also include indoor games like chess and carrom.
Local youth clubs will purchase the sports equipment under the programme. In villages without youth clubs, the district sports officer will help form new clubs to ensure local participation.
The government said the “Gramodaya” campaign aims to promote peace, progress, and social harmony in Maoist-affected regions. The initiative also seeks to identify hidden sporting talent in remote areas while encouraging a healthy and disciplined lifestyle among youth.
