Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, April 30: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inducted 31 meritorious sportspersons into the Orissa Police force at a function at Kalinga Stadium here.
Five out of the 31 sportsperson, such as rowing stars Pramila Minz and Pratima Puhana, kabaddi player Rasmita Sahoo and cricket players Rosanara Parwin and Madhuri Mehata were appointed as sub-inspector of police, where as 26 other sportspersons were appointed as constables.
“I am glad that out of 31 sportspersons appointed, as many as 28 are women. This eloquently speaks about the achievement of our state in the field of women empowerment,” Patnaik said.
“Sporting culture is catching up in the state in big way. The state government is committed to doing everything that is required for the welfare of sportspersons in the state,” he said.
“The state cabinet has taken a decision for direct entry of sportspersons of highest caliber in Orissa Police in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP),” the Chief Minister said.
Patnaik also said the government will construct swimming pools in every district within the next couple of years as part of measures to boost sports activities in the state.
“The state government has decided to construct swimming pools in every district within the next couple of years. In the first phase, five districts, namely Boudh, Sonepur, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj and Jajpur, have been selected for this,” the Chief Minister said.
The state government is providing up to Rs 20 lakh for the construction of mini-stadiums in each block, especially in rural areas, he said. So far, funds for 65 mini-stadiums have been released.
