by Sandeep Heble
While the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently took the initiative to implement a sports quota for Goa’s sportspersons in professional colleges, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has struck it down. This may come as a setback, but importantly, the Court did not oppose the idea of a sports quota—it was struck down merely on procedural grounds. Since Goa has a Sports Policy in place since 2009, the Government must follow the proper framework to make such a quota legally valid and the hurried implementation during mid admission process without changing the prospectus is wrong, the Court ruled.
This move by the Goa Government follows several rounds of appeals over the years from sportspersons and stakeholders in the sporting community, the most recent being from the Goa Badminton Association, which had written to Chief Minister Dr. Sawant: “We kindly bring to your attention that the State of Goa currently does not have a State-Level Sports Quota for admissions into Government Professional Colleges. In contrast, several progressive states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Punjab have already implemented Sports Quotas in their professional degree programs, including Medical, Dental, Engineering, and Architecture. In line with Goa’s growing sports culture and your government’s commitment to youth development—evident in successfully hosting the 37th National Games and enhancing sports job quotas—we humbly request the introduction of a State-Level Sports Quota for admission to professional colleges.”
In this particular case pertaining to a MBBS admission, the unused and unfilled quota for children of freedom fighters was diverted to sports. There was no reduction in the General quota. That said, while the sacrifices of freedom fighters will always remain invaluable, the benefits extended to this particular section—and to their descendants—more than six decades after Goa’s Liberation have outlived their original purpose and have been widely misused. Meanwhile, sportspersons who genuinely deserve such opportunities often do not receive their just dues.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the initiative of CM Dr. Pramod Sawant to introduce a sports quota in professional colleges for sportspersons. The way forward now lies in ensuring that the Government takes the necessary steps and follows the correct processes so that these benefits can reach sportspersons from the coming academic terms and in the years ahead.
While few meritorious sportspersons may unfortunately lose out this year, it is only fair that in the future, sportspersons—who train with dedication and bring national and international laurels to Goa—are valued and given the opportunities they rightfully deserve. If parents see a secure future for their children through clear and fair policies, many more will encourage them to take up sports seriously. This is how Goa can look forward to brighter days in sport!
(The writer is a former Secretary of Goa Badminton Association and current Vice-President of Goa Basketball Association)
