Launched in 2013 by the Department of Urban Development, Government of Goa, the F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme aims to provide safe play areas for healthy recreation and non-competitive sports in urban communities. The scheme assists in developing safe play areas in urban spaces, benefiting local municipal bodies, schools, colleges, registered sports clubs, and registered housing societies. It is implemented by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) under the provisions of the Integrated Development of Major Towns Scheme (IDMT).
Benefits
• Development of Safe Play Areas: Facilities include walking tracks, volleyball courts, basketball courts, athletics tracks, football fields, hockey fields, artificial rock climbing walls, and tennis courts.
• Additional Amenities: Provision of changing rooms, toilet blocks, storage spaces, illumination, and mild steel fencing.
• Funding Assistance:
• A-Class Municipal Councils/Corporations: Up to ₹3,00,00,000/-
• B-Class Municipal Councils: Up to ₹2,50,00,000/-
• C-Class Municipal Councils: Up to ₹1,00,00,000/-
• Sustainability: Encourages corporate sponsorships and public-private partnerships (PPP), with free access to non-formal facilities and affordable pay-and-play schemes.
• Coaching & Partnerships: Availability of coaching facilities and linkages with local sports associations.
Eligibility
Entities owning land of not less than 2,000 square meters within the municipal jurisdiction are eligible, including:
• Local Municipal Bodies
• Schools, Colleges, and Other Institutions
• Registered Sports Clubs
• Registered Housing Societies
• Other Registered Bodies promoting physical fitness and sport
Note: Applicants with land in peripheral Panchayat jurisdictions may also be considered.
Application Process
Offline Process
• Step 1: Fill out the Application Form (Annexure 1) with required details including the proposed facilities, justification, and business plan.
• Step 2: Submit the completed application form along with supporting documents to the Nodal Agency (GSUDA).
• Step 3: The Director of the Department of Urban Development will appoint a scrutiny committee to review the application.
• Step 4: If approved, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with the Nodal Agency outlining terms for development and maintenance.
• Step 5: The Nodal Agency will prepare a feasibility report, design, build, and transfer the facilities to the beneficiary, who is responsible for maintenance and operation.
Documents Required
• Registration Details (as per Annexure 1)
• Location Details with Survey Numbers
• Area of Land & Land Ownership Status
• Business Plan, Management Structure, and Operational Details
• M.O.U. (Annexure 2) outlining terms and conditions
• Supporting Documents: As required by the Nodal Agency (e.g., copies of land documents, financial and technical appraisal from a Bank/FI, sanction letters, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum land area requirement for eligibility?
A: The applicant must own land of at least 2,000 square meters within the municipal jurisdiction.
Q: How can a school or college in a peripheral Panchayat qualify?
A: Such institutions may be considered eligible if they meet the land ownership criteria and are duly registered.
Q: What sporting facilities can be developed under this initiative?
A: Facilities include walking tracks, volleyball, basketball, athletics, football, hockey courts, artificial rock climbing walls, and tennis courts.
Q: What additional support facilities are permitted?
A: Amenities such as changing rooms, toilet blocks, storage spaces, illumination, and mild steel fencing can be constructed.
Q: What are the funding limits based on municipal classification?
A:
• A-Class: Up to ₹3,00,00,000/-
• B-Class: Up to ₹2,50,00,000/-
• C-Class: Up to ₹1,00,00,000/-
Q: How long must beneficiaries maintain the facilities?
A: The facilities must be maintained as per the terms specified in the M.O.U., typically for a defined period post-creation.
Q: What are the operational requirements regarding public access?
A: The developed facilities must be accessible for free non-formal use or via affordable pay-and-play schemes.
Q: How should applicants demonstrate financial sustainability?
A: By including a comprehensive business plan and management structure in the application.
Q: What coaching commitments must be made?
A: Applicants should detail any coaching facilities or linkages with local sports associations.
Q: Can existing sports infrastructure be included in the application?
A: Yes, information about existing sports infrastructure should be provided as part of the application.
Q: How is community impact justified in the proposal?
A: Applicants must outline the anticipated benefits and community impact of the proposed facility in their application.
Q: Is commercial operation allowed on the facility?
A: No, the facility must primarily serve public recreational and non-competitive sports purposes.
Q: Are educational institutions eligible?
A: Yes, schools and colleges that meet the land and registration criteria are eligible.