Coaches of sports centres sans salaries for 19 months
RANCHI: Eighty-three coaches of Day Boarding Coaching Centres (DBCC) in Ranchi have not received their salaries for over one-and-half years now.
According to sources, the sports department has cited shortage of funds as the main reason for holding back the salaries.
A coach who did not wished to be quoted said: “The department spent Rs 40 lakh in April for organising Chief Minister XI and Speaker XI cricket and football exhibition matches at the Mega Sports Complex of Hotwar Stadium. But when it comes to paying Rs 80 lakh to its coaches annually, it does not have fund.”
During 2006-07, the state sports department appointed coaches for its 103 centres to train the athletes. Today, only 83 centres are operating across the state. The rest have closed down as the lack of facilities kept the players away.
The coaches were appointed on contract on a monthly stipend of Rs 5,500 while the players received Rs 500 per month as diet allowance.
None of them have received their remunerations for 19 months. “No one can understand the problems we face on a day-to-day basis. Managing two square meals for our families has become a huge problem for us,” they said. Ranendra Kumar, director, sports department, said he has assured the coaches that they would get their dues in September.
“Efforts are on to send the salaries directly in their accounts,” he said.“However, those who have failed to perform their contract will not be renewed,” he added.