Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has approved out-of-turn government appointments for 235 medal-winning athletes, including 73 para-athletes, in a major boost to sportspersons in the state, IANS reported on Friday, November 6. Nine of them will be appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), while the others will join various government departments. Nation Press also reported the clearance, noting it takes the total under the government's sports employment drive past 420 since December 2023.

Source: IANS via Hi India

The decision was taken at the seventh meeting of the state-level committee, chaired by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas at the Government Secretariat. The committee reviewed 286 applications submitted by general and para-athletes and approved appointment proposals for 235 candidates, the report said. The appointments are intended to recognise athletes who have won medals at national and international events.

Three categories: 9 DSPs, 2 in Excise, 224 in other departments

Under Category A, nine athletes have been selected for appointment as DSPs. Under Category B, two athletes will be appointed to the Excise Department, one as a Patrolling Officer and the other as a Sub-Inspector. The largest group falls under Category C, with 224 athletes set to join various departments in posts such as Clerk Grade-II, Constable, Excise Constable, Excise Guard and Deputy Jailor. The Category C list includes the 73 para-athletes, the report said.

The government has already provided out-of-turn appointments to 187 medal-winning athletes since December 2023, and officials said the new approvals are expected to give the initiative further momentum. The committee also reviewed difficulties faced by athletes already serving in the Forest Department and discussed an action plan, including a proposal for a one-time relaxation in service rules to help adjust them in other departments where required.