Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has notified a 2 per cent reservation for sportspersons in direct recruitment to the state’s civil services. The government has also decided to revise cash wards given to sportspersons…

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has notified a 2 per cent reservation for sportspersons in direct recruitment to the state’s civil services. The government has also decided to revise cash wards given to sportspersons from the state. In a statement, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the 2 per cent reservation will apply within each category, including General, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.”Sportspersons who have been residing in Karnataka for at least 10 years and have represented the state in national or international sporting events will be eligible to avail themselves of this benefit. They will also be eligible for grace marks based on their achievements in 34 notified sports, including the Olympics and Asian Games,” Parameshwara said, calling it a “significant step towards providing greater opportunities for sportspersons in government employment.” Parameshwara hailed sportspersons for “continuously bringing glory to the state” on national and international platforms. “Recognising their talent, encouraging their achievements and ensuring a secure future for them even after their sporting careers remain our key priorities,” he said. Drought may hit Karnataka’s GST collection: Deputy CM G Parameshwara Cash awards being given to Karnataka’s sportspersons are being reviewed in comparison with other states, Parameshwara said. Revised cash award for sportspersons will be announced on Tuesday, he added.“The Chief Minister and I will announce the cash awards to be given to sportspersons by the government. We have also obtained information regarding higher awards being offered in other states and reviewed it. I have already discussed with the CM the need to revise the cash awards in Karnataka as well. The revised amount will be announced,” he said.Asian Games gold winner Machettira Poovamma, upon her return from Japan, had urged the Karnataka government to enhance the cash rewards for medal-winning athletes to provide greater financial support to those representing the state. She also expressed disappointment that none from the state government had reached out to her following her win in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Asian Games.Parameshwara said efforts were made to contact and congratulate Machettira Poovamma while she was in Japan, but they were unable to reach her at the time. “Within a couple of hours of her return to India, I personally contacted and spoke to her. I have also spoken to several other athletes,” he said.

Source: Deccan Herald