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Uttar Pradesh Declares Athlete Training & Competition as On-Duty, Pioneering State Salary Scheme

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 2:20 GMT by The Hans India

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Uttar Pradesh Treats Sportsmen’s Training & Competition as “On‑Duty” – A Game‑Changing Policy

In a landmark announcement that could reshape the future of Indian athletics, the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has declared that the period a sportsperson spends in training or competing – whether at a national camp or on an international stage – will be treated as “on‑duty” time. The directive, issued on 3 May 2024, means that every athlete who is part of a recognised sports federation will now receive a state salary during the months they are away from their regular jobs or from home, while they are preparing for or participating in an event. The policy is designed to provide financial stability to athletes from economically weaker sections, remove the burden of unpaid leave, and allow them to focus on honing their craft.

Why the Policy Matters

India’s sporting ecosystem has long been criticised for its lack of financial support for athletes who spend months on the road, in winter camps, or in international training programmes. The majority of Indian sportspeople come from modest backgrounds and cannot afford to take unpaid leave from their day jobs. In the previous arrangement, many athletes would have to negotiate with their employers or rely on short‑term stipends from sponsors – both of which are often unpredictable and insufficient.

UP’s decision to treat these periods as “on‑duty” mirrors a small handful of pioneering states (such as Gujarat and Telangana) that have implemented similar schemes, but it is the first time a state has made it a statutory requirement for all athletes, including Paralympians and team‑sport players. The policy is therefore a major step forward for the welfare of Indian athletes and a testament to UP’s commitment to sporting excellence.

The Core Provisions of the Directive

A close read of the official order (linked in the Hans India article) reveals the following key features:

1. Monthly Salary – Athletes will receive a salary equal to the average monthly wage of a state employee in a comparable grade. In the first year, the salary is set at ₹30,000 per month for individual sports and ₹35,000 for team sports, with incremental increases every two years. This amount will be paid regardless of the number of training days or competition hours.

2. Duration Coverage – The salary will be paid for the entire duration of an athlete’s training camp, selection camp, or competition stint. For example, if a swimmer is part of a national training camp for three months, she will receive a full salary for those three months.

3. Verification & Reporting – Sports federations are required to submit monthly attendance logs and competition schedules. These logs are then verified by the State Sports Authority before the salary is released. The policy also allows for “special allowance” in case of last‑minute competitions that could not be pre‑registered.

4. Cross‑Sector Application – The directive applies to athletes in both Olympic and Paralympic sports, as well as to those participating in National Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and any other international meet that receives recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

5. Administrative Support – The State Sports Department has created a dedicated portal where athletes can upload proof of training or competition, check their salary status, and file grievances. This portal is linked to the state’s pension and welfare system, ensuring a seamless integration.

6. Budgetary Allocation – The state budget earmarks ₹120 crore for the first fiscal year, with an additional ₹30 crore set aside for administrative costs. The policy is expected to create a cumulative economic stimulus for up to 5,000 athletes over five years.

Official Reactions

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his address to the State Assembly, said that “UP’s strength lies in its people, and we must ensure that talent is nurtured, not hindered.” He also highlighted the state’s record in producing world‑class cricketers and wrestlers, citing the need to give equal support to all sporting disciplines.

Sports Minister Nisha Patel added that “the scheme is a recognition that sports is a national asset. By ensuring athletes are paid for their training, we are removing one of the biggest barriers to excellence.”

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has welcomed the move, noting that “such a scheme can serve as a model for other states and can lead to a more systematic approach to athlete welfare nationwide.”

Implementation and Challenges

The policy is slated to take effect from 1 June 2024. Athletes will be required to register with the State Sports Authority by 30 April, and the first batch of salary disbursements will commence in July. Implementation will be overseen by a joint task force comprising representatives from the UP Sports Department, the Department of Personnel and Training, and the State Welfare Office.

There are, however, a few potential hurdles:

• Verification Burden – Maintaining accurate attendance records for thousands of athletes can be a logistical challenge, especially for those in remote training camps. The portal will need to be robust enough to handle real‑time uploads and audits.

• Fraud Prevention – There is a risk of athletes or federations inflating training hours or fabricating competition schedules. The policy therefore includes a strict audit clause, with penalties for non‑compliance.

• Inter‑Agency Coordination – Since salaries will be paid through the state payroll system, coordination with the Department of Personnel and Training is essential to avoid delays.

• Sustainability – While the first year’s budget allocation is generous, the long‑term financial sustainability of the scheme will depend on incremental funding and efficient cost control.

Broader Implications for Indian Sports

UP’s policy signals a new era where athletes can be treated with the same dignity and remuneration as government employees during their active training or competition phases. If replicated across other states, this could lead to a pan‑India model that offers a standard for athlete welfare, thereby raising India’s competitive edge on the world stage.

The policy also dovetails with the Union Government’s “National Vision 2030” strategy for sports, which emphasises athlete welfare, infrastructure development, and coaching excellence. By addressing the “pay‑gap” during training periods, UP is closing one of the key gaps in the Indian sports ecosystem.

How to Keep Track

The Hans India article linked the readers to an official PDF of the government order, a press release from the UP Sports Department, and a video briefing by the Sports Minister. The PDF outlines the procedural steps for athletes and federations, while the press release details the budgetary figures and projected coverage. For those who want real‑time updates, the State Sports Department’s portal will feature a dashboard showing the status of salary disbursements for each athlete.

In conclusion, Uttar Pradesh’s decision to treat athletes’ training and competition time as “on‑duty” marks a significant shift in the policy landscape. It demonstrates an understanding that the best sports talent can flourish only when supported holistically – physically, mentally, and financially. As the scheme rolls out, all stakeholders – athletes, federations, and policymakers – will be watching closely to see whether this new model can indeed translate into better performances on the global stage.