TEAM HERALD
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PORVORIM: In a bid to inculcate a fitness and recreational culture among the tech-savy youth with a sedentary lifestyle in municipal areas, the State government on Monday launched the ‘Fair Recreational Activity and Non Competitive Involvement in Sports’ (FRANCIS) Scheme in Mapusa.
Addressing press persons, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza stated that the open spaces in municipal areas are either being misused or encroached. “Urbanization has caused deprivation of open spaces to the urban communities, who predominately stay in flats. Due to confinement in the apartments, the kids spend their time on video games, TV, mobile phones and internet,” said D’Souza.
“To meet this situation and inculcate a strong sports fitness and recreational culture, the government through this scheme intends to connect with urban population by providing assistance in developing safe play areas,” added D’Souza.
“The local municipal body, schools, colleges, other such institutions, registered sports clubs, registered housing societies owning land not less than 2,000 sq mtrs within the municipal jurisdiction are eligible for the benefit under this scheme,” informed the deputy chief minister.
