Barpeta Indoor Stadium fee hike row echoes in Assam Assembly as MLA seeks government response

The controversy surrounding the franchise-based operation of the government-owned Ramrai Indoor Stadium in Barpeta reached the Assam Legislative Assembly on July 27 after 24 No. Barpeta (SC) MLA Dipak Kumar Das raised the issue during the ongoing Budget Session, seeking a response from the state government.

 

The row erupted after the Board of Sports of Assam handed over the badminton coaching and operational management of the stadium to Dipankar's Badminton Academy under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the new arrangement coming into effect on July 1.

 

Under the revised system, coaching fees have increased sharply. While players earlier paid ₹700 per month for coaching and ₹1,000 for court practice, the new fee structure ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹12,000 per month, depending on the training category. The academy has also introduced hourly corporate booking charges and monthly corporate packages for the courts.

 

The revised charges have triggered protests from players, parents and sports enthusiasts, who argue that Barpeta is largely a rural district where many aspiring athletes come from low- and middle-income families. They contend that a government-funded sports facility should remain affordable and accessible rather than operate on a commercial model.

 

Critics have also questioned whether the move aligns with the objectives of the Khelo India programme, which aims to promote grassroots sports by ensuring access to quality infrastructure and opportunities for young athletes.

 

Another concern raised by stakeholders is that the indoor stadium, originally developed as a multi-purpose sports complex hosting badminton, karate, boxing and other disciplines, may increasingly function as an exclusive badminton centre under the franchise arrangement, potentially affecting athletes from other sports.

 

Parents have further questioned the coaching standards, alleging that despite the higher fees, the academy does not currently have an NIS-certified coach. They have also criticised the absence of consultations with district sports associations, coaches, former players and parents before the new model was introduced.

 

The issue has gained political significance after being raised in the Assembly, with players and sports lovers now urging the Assam Government to review the franchise arrangement and ensure that Ramrai Indoor Stadium continues to function as an affordable, inclusive and multi-purpose public sports facility.