SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Directorate of Youth Services and Sports has come under fire from students, seeking admission to various physical education colleges for DPE and MPEd courses.
The candidates are accusing the directorate of callousness, demanding action from the PWD and HP Youth Sports and Services Minister, Vikramaditya Singh in this case.
The bone of contention lies in the simple certificate that the directorate is refusing to issue to candidates, which could grant them additional marks in the merit list for securing admission in physical education colleges in Punjab, Haryana, and other southern states.
The applicants are infuriated as the matter was brought to light by an applicant, who happens to be the nephew of Himachal Pradesh's renowned sportsman, Surinder Chauhan, hailing from Chopal.
The certificate in question merely requires the director to state whether Himachal Pradesh has a grading system for sports in the state or not.
“It is not intended for any favour or disfavour but merely as an acknowledgment of the state's existing sports grading system”.
In response to the query, Director, YSS said the certificate was issued to the applicant in question on July 28 when the matter was brought to his notice as applicant did not fall in any one of the categories.
The gradation policy was notified earlier, but the department is taking up the matter with government to implement the policy.
Despite the Ministry of Sports under the Union Government promoting "Khelo India" and offering incentives to candidates to encourage them to pursue physical education and sporting activities, Himachal Pradesh's Directorate is failing to live up to the same spirit.
Students are being forced to struggle for a simple No Objection Certificate (NOC), which other state directorates generously provide to their students, saving them both time and money.
Because I could not get this certificate from the Director on time it will now cost me additional one year and additional money to do my DPE as the last date of admission is over”, rued the applicant.
While other states facilitate their students in pursuit of their dreams, the Himachal Pradesh Directorate remains uncaring, neglecting its duty towards the candidates and their families.
This apathy has earned the department a bad name among students and their families, raising questions about its commitment to nurturing sports and physical education.
In light of the Ministry of Sports' efforts to promote sports and physical education across the nation, it is disheartening to see Himachal Pradesh's Directorate becoming a hindrance rather than a facilitator.
