Odisha Initiates Fresh Norms For Recruitment Of Para-Sportspersons

Odisha Initiates Fresh Norms For Recruitment Of Para-Sportspersons

While the country is showering praise on its para-athletes for winning laurels in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics, the Odisha government has allegedly yet not included these specially-abled sportspersons in its Direct Requirement Scheme for meritorious players.

Considering the representations made by para-sportspersons for their inclusion under Odisha Police and PSUs as provided to the sportspersons for employment, the Chief Secretary has directed the departments concerned to prepare comprehensive guidelines, today.

With Odisha hosting international events and its Chief Minister leaving on stone unturned to promote sports, Bhubaneswar has turned into the sports capital of the country. However, more than 30 para athletes, protesting under the banner of the Odisha Para Players Forum, accused the state government of meting out step-motherly treatment to them. 

The state government has been providing job opportunities to the para-sports persons under the 1% reservation for the sportspersons whenever such recruitment is undertaken for various departments and organisations, according to a release of Sports and Youth Services department.

But the para-sports persons have been demanding to include them under Odisha Police and PSUs as provided to the sportspersons based on their performance in the national and international tournaments.

At a meeting convened last week, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra directed the departments to examine the issue and prepare comprehensive guidelines. In view of the physical norms criteria under Odisha Police, Mahapatra directed to examine whether the para-sports persons can be considered for Group-C posts under various departments instead of recruitment at police constable-level.