Bihar Government’s ‘Medal for Jobs’ Scheme Boosts Sports Development, Offers Direct Appointments to Medal-Winning Athletes

Patna: The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is intensifying efforts to promote sports and support athletes, with initiatives aimed at both infrastructure development and direct career incentives. As part of the government’s commitment, the ‘Direct Appointment of Distinguished Sportspersons of Bihar Rules 2023’ allows outstanding athletes who secure medals at national or international levels to receive direct appointments in government roles, bypassing exams and interviews.

The scheme, based on the concept of “Medal Lao, Naukari Pao,” has already resulted in government jobs for 71 athletes in 2023-24 alone, placing them in positions such as Child Development Project Officer, Block Panchayati Raj Officer, and police sub-inspectors. Since its inception in 2010, the program has employed 342 athletes in Bihar, with prior appointments offered in 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2020.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar first introduced employment schemes for athletes during his tenure as Railway Minister under former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, where he implemented job placements for talented players within Indian Railways. Inspired by the success of this initiative, the CM extended a similar program to Bihar in 2010, leading to the current policy where exceptional athletes can now qualify for high-ranking roles such as SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) and DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police).

Beyond employment initiatives, the government is enhancing Bihar’s sports infrastructure. Around 250 block-level stadiums have been constructed, with plans for further expansion. The state is also sponsoring training opportunities outside Bihar to improve the skill levels of its athletes.

The Bihar government’s commitment to integrating sports into youth development is evident through these programs, which aim to foster a strong sporting culture while offering security and career progression to the state’s athletes.