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Implementing a Cabinet decision within three days, Odisha Government provided direct employment to as many as 31 meritorious sportspersons of the state, including 28 women in the Police Department today. While handing over the appointment letters in a colourful function here at Kalinga Stadium, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reiterated that Olympic medal winners and gold medallists of Asian and Commonwealth Games would be recruited directly as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Among the 31 sportspersons, five were appointed as Sub-Inspectors, 25 as Constables and one as Sepoy. Sub-inspectors would draw a monthly salary of around Rs 13,500 and the constables Rs 8,000. ``This is commendable step by the state government and it will help us fetch greater laurels for the state and the country,`` said Asiad bronze medal winning woman rower Pratima Puhana.
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As has been the practice, the state government used the appointment-letter-distribution function to boost the image of the Chief Minister. Sports Minister Sudam Marndi, Police DG Sanjib Marik and Sports Secretary Saswat Mishra showered praise on the CM for his generosity. Thankfully the speeches were not lengthy and other guests, who included Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati, Culture & Tourism Minister Ashok Panda, MP Prasanna Patsani, local MLAs Priyadarshi Mishra, Bijay Mohanty and Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, were not given the opportunity to address the gathering.
According to sources in both Police and Sports departments, around 500 sportspersons applied for employment. However, all 31 sportspersons were not present to receive the appointment letters. Woman hockey player Sumanti Toppo did not accept constable post and chose to continue with the job she had secured through open process in Angul Police. Also absent were weightlifters Arun Santa, Pramila Kirsani and woman footballer Rachita Malik.
Questions also cropped up about fairness of the selection process as many deserving sportspersons were left out. For instance, powerlifter Pradip Patra’s application was not considered for selection despite the fact that he had won many international medals.
LIST OF APPOINTMENTMENTS:
Sub-Inspectors: Rasanara Parwin, Madhuri Meheta (both cricket); Rasmita Sahoo (kabaddi); Pratima Puhana, Pramila Prava Minz (both rowing).
Constables: Jabamani Soren, Rachita Malik, Pravasini Parida, Nandini Munda, Karishma Oram, Sakina Nesa, Arati Anima Khadia, Prasanti Pradhan, Kunti Kumari Lakra, Manisa Tirkey, Subhaprava Rout, Hema Xaxa (all football); Surabhi Pradhan, Sumanti Toppo (both hockey); Dillip Kumar Jena, Anupama Swian (both karate); Tarandeep Singh (powerlifting); Sanjukta Dung Dung, Ashmita Kujur, Mitali Sekhar Deo, Alma Lakra, Meena Madhuri Toppo (all rowing); Subhasmita Mohanty, Pramila Kirsani, Kiran Kumari Digal (all weightlifting).
Sepoy: Arun Santa (weightlifting).
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TOP: Sportswomen (L to R) Pratima Puhana, Pramila Minz, Rasmita Sahoo, Madhuri Meheta and Rasanara Parwin after being recruited as Police Sub-Inspectors in Bhubaneswar on April 30, 2015.
RIGHT: Odisha sportspersons with their appointment letters in Bhubaneswar on April 30, 2015.
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