Imphal, Jul 04: Striking Co-ordinating Committee of Physical Education Teachers, Stadium Supervisors, Superintendents and Coaches Association of Youth Affairs and Sports Department has questioned whether the Department, playing an important role in introducing Manipur to the sporting arena of the world is becoming a Department run by in-charge officials only.

After submission of a charter of demands memorandum) to the YAS Minister in July 16, 2005, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in September last.

However, as various steps taken up are allegedly in violation of the MoU, the Committee has launched cease work strike since yesterday drawing the attention of the Govt into the matter.

Expressing solidarity to the strike, regular training programmes under YAS coaches had ceased leaving over 15000 aspiring sports persons in the lurch. The Committee alleged that apart from sidelining demand for streamlining technical groups of the PET and coaches in the Department, various posts have been filled up by in-charge officials in complete violation of the said MoU.

Barring Thoubal district, it is informed that the posts of DYASOs in other districts are on temporary basis (in-charges).

Though the total number of Superintendents to be appointed is nine, only five posts have been filled up, out of which two are held by DYASOs in-charge.

Moreover, out of the five Deputy Directors, three are in-charges and out of two Joint Directors one is an in-charge.

It is informed that since becoming a full-fledged Department in 1980, the post of Director of YAS has changed hands 26 times till date thereby hampering administrative matters.

The striking Committee has also drawn the attention of the Government to the disparity in the pay scale of Physical Education Teachers.

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