The Ministry of Youth and Sports' proposed budget of Rs 3 billion, a twofold increase in the current fiscal year's limit of Rs 1.43 billion, has been axed because the government's first priority is to collect funds for the post-disaster management.
"The amount we receive is not even enough to sustain regular activities," said Dipendranath Sharma, secretary at the MoYS."The National Planning Commission had set a ceiling of Rs 1.87 billion for the coming year but we had demanded Rs 3 billion . Our proposal was in final stages of approval by the government when the earthquake struck," added Sharma.
The ministry was planning to complete the construction of an international cricket stadium at Mulpani and to provide Rs 10 lakhs to each of the 240 election constituencies. Development of playing grounds in 500 schools throughout the country and the construction of basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms for 10 potential cricket venues were also on cards. The proposal also included more international tournaments and support to organize more games.
All those plans have been affected by the government's disapproval of the proposed budget.
However, despite the adverse situation, the MoYS doesn't have plans to abandon its proposed projects. Secretary Sharma says that almost all of their projects will be continued but it will take longer to get them completed due to lack of budget.
"We haven't given up yet. We won't abandon our plans but we will limit the number of activities in view of the budget contraint. Instead of 500 school grounds, we will develop only 100 and that too in the earthquake affected areas," he added.
"This is a difficult situation and we cannot demand more because there is a national crisis," he added.
According to Secretary Sharma, it will take years for the Nepali sports sector to kick start its development process again.
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