In a significant move to honor and employ athletes who bring glory to the nation, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to include nine posts of Regional Sports Officer (RSO) under the Uttar Pradesh International Medal Winners Direct Recruitment Rules–2022. This decision clears the path for international medalists to be appointed directly to these gazetted positions, resolving a long-standing procedural bottleneck.

Addressing The Recruitment Gap

Currently, there are 18 sanctioned posts for Regional Sports Officers in the state. The rules mandate that nine be filled through promotion and nine through direct recruitment.

The Obstacle: Regular recruitment for the nine direct entry posts had stalled because the 1986 service rules lacked a clear provision for recruitment through the commission.

The Fix: Although a 2015 government policy envisaged providing jobs to medal winners (including the RSO post), the specific Direct Recruitment Rules implemented in 2022 initially missed including this specific post. The Cabinet's latest amendment rectifies this, ensuring eligible athletes can now secure responsible posts commensurate with their qualifications.

Eligibility And Impact

This opportunity is open to athletes who have won Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals in major international competitions, including:

  • Olympics and Paralympics
  • World Championships
  • Asian Games
  • Commonwealth Games

According to the Sports Department, this move addresses the frustration of many eligible international athletes who previously had no suitable high-level posts available to apply for despite the government's intent.

24 Posts Identified Across Nine Departments

With this approval, the government has expanded the basket of opportunities available under the 2022 Rules. A total of 24 posts across nine departments have been identified so far for meritorious sportspersons (classified into categories A, B, and C).

Breakdown Of Identified Posts

Sports Department: 9 posts of Regional Sports Officer (New Addition).

Rural Development: 4 posts of Block Education Officer.

Police: 2 posts of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

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Secondary Education: 2 posts of Assistant District Inspector of Schools.

Panchayati Raj: 2 posts of District Panchayati Raj Officer.

Youth Welfare: 2 posts of District Youth Welfare and Pradeshik Vikas Dal Officer.

Forest: 2 posts of Regional Forest Officer.

Basic Education: 1 post of Basic Education Officer.

Out of the previously identified posts, 13 are currently vacant. The addition of the nine RSO posts further widens the scope for the state's sporting heroes to enter government service at a senior level.

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