MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government Thursday approved a lease renewal policy for playgrounds that will be allotted to schools, colleges and gymnasiums, Press Trust of India reports. As per the policy, the schools, colleges and gymnasiums will have to pay 0.1 per cent of the 10 per cent of the market value of the plot for renewing leases.
“This means that if the ready reckoner price of the plot is Rs 10 million then they will have to pay Rs 1000 as lease amount every year for the next 30 years,” a state government official was quoted as saying to PTI on the condition of anonymity.
The state government used to grant these playgrounds on a nominal lease amount of Re 1 per annum for 15 to 30 years, and now lease of many of them have expired. In Maharashtra, there are around 1000 plots that were given on lease.
The official said the fresh rates will be applicable for those who have renewed the lease on January 1 this year. Till 31 December 2017, the managements will be charged lease rent as per old rates Re 1, he said.
The state cabinet also approved a proposal of adopting the Khelo India programme for the year 2018-19 to develop and boost budding players as well as sport activities in the state. The government will strive to get funds from the centre to develop playgrounds with best facilities.
“Playground development, collective (sports teachers) training programme, establishment of state-level Khelo India centres, annual competitions, search of talented players and providing scholarships to develop their game, the use of sport infrastructure and production-improvement are the key objectives of adopting the scheme,” the official added.
Sports Minister of Maharashtra Vinod Tawde said the decision will help develop the best talent from the state.
“We are sure that the decision will boost sportsmen spirit and help develop international level coaches and sportsmen and also will get funds from the centre for the upliftment of playgrounds,” Tawde told PTI.
It has also been decided to create a nodal agency for the implementation of the scheme.
