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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 26: Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has strongly urged the A&N Administration to immediately revive and implement the Sports Quota in recruitments across various departments under the Administration.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration on 25th May, Mr. Bhasker expressed serious concern over the complete discontinuation of Sports Quota appointments during the last 15 years, stating that the move has deeply discouraged talented sportspersons of the Islands despite their outstanding achievements at national and international levels.
He stated that athletes from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have consistently brought pride and recognition to the Union Territory through exceptional performances in various national competitions, despite facing limited infrastructure and inadequate facilities. Earlier, appointments under the Sports Quota in different departments had provided encouragement and motivation to young athletes to pursue sports seriously and strive for excellence.
“Today, our sportspersons are proving their talent across the country and securing jobs under Sports Quota in various Central Government departments outside the Islands. When they are good enough to represent national institutions, why are they being denied similar opportunities within their own Islands?” Mr. Bhasker questioned.
Highlighting the loss of local sporting talent, Mr. Bhasker pointed out that many athletes from the Islands are now representing Central Government institutions instead of the Union Territory due to the absence of employment opportunities here. Citing the example of Ms. Amrita Minj, an international rower from the Islands who is presently employed with CISF and represents CISF at the national level, he said the Islands are gradually losing their talented sportspersons to outside departments because of the Administration’s failure to provide adequate support and opportunities.
The ANTCC leader further emphasized that revival of the Sports Quota is not merely an employment issue but also a crucial social necessity. He warned that the Islands are witnessing a disturbing rise in drug abuse and substance addiction among youth, and stressed that promotion of sports can play a major role in positively channelizing the energy of young people towards discipline, fitness, and constructive activities.
Mr. Bhasker urged the Administration to issue immediate directions to all departments for revival and proper implementation of Sports Quota in ongoing and future recruitments for eligible island sportspersons.
He expressed hope that the Administration would take urgent and positive action in the larger interest of Island youth, sports development, and the future of aspiring athletes of the Union Territory.
