Model Toilets, Changing Rooms, CCTV Facilities to be Made Mandatory at Sports Grounds Across Maharashtra: Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar

Mumbai, June 2026 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar on Wednesday directed officials to formulate a unified state-level policy to ensure that all sports grounds across the state are equipped with model toilet facilities, separate changing rooms, adequate lighting, and CCTV surveillance systems. The move is aimed at providing women athletes with a safer, more dignified, and encouraging environment as they continue to excel at national and international sporting events.

The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. The meeting was convened in connection with an assurance given during the 2026 Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislature regarding the provision of toilet facilities for women athletes at sports venues across the state.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar and attended by Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, MLAs Milind Narvekar and Chitra Wagh, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department V. Radha, Principal Secretary of the Sports Department Ranjit Singh Deol, Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agrawal (through video conferencing), Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Deepak Singla, Additional Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Avinash Dhakane, and senior officials from various departments.

Addressing the meeting, Pawar said that women athletes from Maharashtra have consistently delivered remarkable performances in a wide range of sports and have brought laurels to the state and the country. To sustain and further strengthen this progress, it is essential to provide them with modern infrastructure and a secure sporting environment.

She noted that the state government has been implementing several schemes and initiatives to encourage women’s participation in sports. According to her, the availability of safe and adequate facilities is a key requirement for enabling women to pursue sports with confidence and dignity.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that strong sports infrastructure, quality coaching, financial assistance, proper nutrition, guidance from trained coaches, social acceptance, and a secure environment are all critical elements for the growth of sports and the success of athletes.

Pawar further stated that the Maharashtra government is committed to bringing comprehensive reforms to the sports sector through a new sports policy that adopts an athlete-centric approach. Various initiatives are being undertaken to create opportunities for athletes from rural areas as well as those aspiring to compete at national and international levels.

She pointed out that the provision of essential facilities such as hygienic toilets, changing rooms, proper lighting, and surveillance systems would significantly improve the participation and performance of women athletes. These facilities would also help create a more inclusive and professional atmosphere at sports venues.

The Deputy Chief Minister instructed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure uniform implementation of these facilities across sports grounds in the state. She also directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan and ensure its effective execution within a specified timeframe.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the current status of basic facilities available for women athletes at sports grounds across Maharashtra. Detailed discussions were held on infrastructure gaps, required improvements, and long-term planning to create athlete-friendly sporting spaces throughout the state.

The proposed measures are expected to strengthen Maharashtra’s sporting ecosystem while promoting greater participation of women in sports by ensuring safety, convenience, and equal access to quality facilities.