Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a major policy reform to support the state’s athletes and simultaneously approved significant urban infrastructure projects under AMRUT 2.0 to improve drinking water supply in Bareilly and Kanpur.
Athletes to Get ‘Duty’ Status During Training and Competitions
In a landmark decision, the UP government has declared that state athletes who have won international medals will now be considered on official ‘duty’ whenever they participate in national or international competitions, training camps, or other sports-related activities. The policy also includes travel time to and from events as part of duty hours.
Previously, the ‘International Medal Winner Direct Recruitment Rules–2022’ did not include clear provisions regarding leave or duty status, often forcing athletes to seek special permissions for participation. With the new regulation, athletes will enjoy greater freedom and opportunities to excel in sports while strengthening the state’s representation in national and international events.
Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Varanasi to Become National Centre of Excellence
The Yogi Cabinet has approved an MoU with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to operate the under-construction Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium at Sigra, Varanasi. The stadium, developed under the Khelo India initiative, will now function as a National Centre of Excellence, providing high-level training facilities to emerging athletes from Uttar Pradesh.
The upgraded infrastructure—including buildings, training grounds, and other facilities—will help talented players prepare for national and international competitions, enhancing their career and employment opportunities. The initiative is also expected to position Varanasi as one of India’s premier sports hubs.
Major Drinking Water Projects Approved Under AMRUT 2.0
To strengthen urban drinking water supply, the Yogi government approved two major projects under AMRUT 2.0, totaling ₹582.74 crore, benefiting Bareilly and Kanpur.
Bareilly: ₹265.95 Crore Water Restructuring Project
A Phase-1 restructuring project for the Bareilly Municipal Corporation has been sanctioned at ₹26,595.46 lakh, with contributions from:
- Central Government: ₹8,530.96 lakh
- State Government: ₹14,504.95 lakh
- Municipal Corporation: ₹2,559.55 lakh
Once completed, the project will provide clean and regular drinking water to approximately 9 lakh residents, covering nearly 92% of the city’s population.
Kanpur: ₹316.78 Crore Pipeline Expansion Project
A pipeline expansion project in the East and South Service Districts of Kanpur Municipal Corporation has been approved at ₹31,678.88 lakh, with funding contributions as follows:
- Central Government: ₹7,610.32 lakh
- State Government: ₹18,264.77 lakh
- Municipal Corporation: ₹4,566.19 lakh
The project aims to deliver safe drinking water to all residents across 33 wards, reducing waterborne diseases and improving overall public health.
Impact and Future Prospects
Both projects in Bareilly and Kanpur will modernize the urban water supply infrastructure, making it reliable, efficient, and accessible to residents. The government believes that investments under AMRUT 2.0 will strengthen urban systems and enhance the quality of life for millions of people, while the new policy for athletes will encourage sporting excellence and improve Uttar Pradesh’s performance in national and international sports.
