Delhi Municipal Corporation Introduces PPP Model for School Sports Infrastructure
Revamping Sports Facilities in Delhi Schools
(Varun Bhandari) New Delhi, July 30 - The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to implement a five-year policy aimed at modernizing sports infrastructure in its schools through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Under this initiative, private firms will be allowed to develop and commercially operate stadiums, provided they offer free coaching to children enrolled in MCD schools. According to municipal officials, the education department currently oversees 14 stadiums where sports facilities for football, cricket, volleyball, badminton, and athletics are at a very basic level.
No Financial Burden on MCD
All these stadiums will be upgraded under this plan. A notable aspect of this policy is that the MCD will not incur any expenses for the renovation of these facilities. The private operators selected through a bidding process will bear all costs related to construction, repairs, and maintenance.
Enhanced Facilities for Community Training
In return, they will be permitted to provide sports training to the general public for a fee after school hours. Officials indicated that private operators, upon receiving approval from higher authorities, will be able to develop modern amenities such as football fields, cricket practice areas, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts, along with changing rooms, toilets, canteens, and first aid centers. Before training begins, physical health assessments of the children will be conducted to monitor their performance.
Focus on Girls' Participation
All data and details regarding the children will be securely stored in digital format, with special emphasis on encouraging girls to participate in sports. According to municipal officials, only those companies or institutions with substantial experience in the sports sector will be prioritized in the operator selection process.
Stringent Safety Regulations
Additionally, at least one member of the founding team of the company must be a national or university-level athlete. Private operators will be required to strictly adhere to all regulations concerning child safety, such as the POCSO Act. This agreement will initially last for five years, with the possibility of extending it for another five years based on performance.