Sports, physically challenged to benefit in civic body's budget

THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will introduce three new policies as part of its 2014 budget. The polices will be for the overall promotion of sports in the city, providing a conducive surrounding for the physically challenged and an advertising policy to ensure more collection from putting up hoardings and banners.
The sports policy for Thane will cover construction of sports complexes across the city, playgrounds and promotion of sports academy wherever possible, the officials said.Currently, the city has a few sports complexes, but the corporation aims to construct one in each ward. The TMC is also constructing its biggest sports complex, Sharadchandraji Pawar Sports Complex at Dhokali-Majiwade, the cost of which is estimated at Rs 24.37 cr.
"This is being partly funded by the MPLAD. In the future, we want a dedicated budget head for building sports complexes. Having a sports policy will also help," said a TMC official. The advertising policy is being envisioned as revenue collection from adverts is falling and permissions are granted haphazardly to put up hoardings and banners. Last year, the TMC expected to collect Re 6 cr from advertisers but fell short by Re 2 cr.
The policy for the physically challenged will ensure that offices are made more disabled-friendly and a dedicated budget head if created for the same. "These policies have the potential to change the face of the city's development," said an official.