Sports Dept functioning as event management, construction company: MLA Parra

Srinagar, Mar 17: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra on Monday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, questioning its achievements in promoting sports and nurturing international athletes. He challenged the department to name its biggest accomplishment over the years and asked whether it had produced even a single international player.
Para, speaking during a discussion on the demand for grants, said J&K’s youth face challenges and divisions and that sports could serve as a unifying force by providing common role models.
He said the Sports Department should not function as an event management or construction company but rather focus on real sporting development. “Over the last seven years, what is the Sports Department’s single biggest achievement? Just one? One international player? Is this an event company or a construction firm? Stadiums have been built—Bakshi Stadium, MA Road—but there is no staff, no coaches,” he remarked.
The PDP leader also criticised the lack of quality in sports events, saying, “The events that are being organized are quantitative, not qualitative. The Centre of Excellence is deteriorating.”
Listing a few notable athletes from J&K, he said, “Parvez Rasool is the only international cricketer. Abid Nabi and Mehraj Wadoo have excelled in football, with Ishfaq Ahmed being among the best ISL players from J&K. Mitali is one of the best gymnasts in India. Palak Kaur, Bilquis Mir who represents India in kayaking and has been trained at Oxford.”
He called for direct engagement with athletes to understand the real status of sports in J&K. “The Sports Council, which is meant to promote excellence in sports, has been turned into an event management company. It now focuses on optics and public relations, making children dance and organising fashion shows instead of prioritising sports development,” he said.
MLA Pulwama also slammed the lack of recognition for athletes, saying, “In the past seven years, not a single outstanding sportsperson has been appointed to any position. Why would our young athletes continue their careers if their efforts go unrecognised? Instead, fake sports promotions have taken precedence, while genuine talent is sidelined.”
Switching to another issue, Para addressed concerns regarding the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC). He said, “I had asked a question about the department’s contracts. The details are incomplete, yet a contract has supposedly been signed. In Pulwama alone, 19 buses are operating. We request the introduction of E-buses due to the high demand from students and the general public.”
He also raised concerns regarding ration card classifications, which affect residents’ access to essential services. “Many people in our district have been shifted from BPL (Below Poverty Line) to APL (Above Poverty Line) categories. A ration card is not just about food—it serves as proof of residence and eligibility for several government schemes. If someone needs housing under PMAY, a ration card is required. Without it, they lose not just ration benefits but also housing entitlements.”
Para said the financial strain was caused by these reclassifications. “If someone is categorized as BPL, they receive electricity at a subsidised rate. Now, due to these changes, their financial burden has increased. The government should have reconsidered these changes to provide relief to the affected people,” he said.