FRANCIS
Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)
6.0/10"Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)" aims to provide safe play areas for healthy recreation and sports to urban communities. Assistance is provided to develop safe play areas in urban spaces.
States / UT: Goa
Nodal department: Urban Development Department
Scheme for: Infra
Scheme profile
DBT (direct benefit transfer): No
Categories: Transport & Infrastructure, Agriculture,Rural & Environment
Sub-categories: Infrastructure, Land and water resources, Environmental management and protection
Target beneficiaries: Registered Societies
Tags: Recreation, Urban, Sports, Playground
Details
Launched in 2013, the scheme "Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)" by the Department of Urban Development, Government of Goa aims to provide safe play areas for healthy recreation and sports to urban communities. Assistance is provided to develop safe play areas in urban spaces, benefiting local municipal bodies, schools, colleges, registered sports clubs, and registered housing societies, etc. The scheme is implemented by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA), which acts as the nodal agency. The scheme operates within the provisions of the Integrated Development of Major Towns Scheme (IDMT).
Benefits
- - Development of safe play areas for healthy recreation and sports
- Provision of facilities such as walking tracks, volleyball courts, basketball courts, athletics tracks, football fields, hockey fields, artificial rock climbing walls, and tennis courts
- Additional amenities like changing rooms, toilet blocks, storage spaces, illumination, and mild steel fencing
- Funding assistance up to ₹3,00,00,000/- for A-Class Municipal Councils/Corporations, up to ₹2,50,00,000/- for B-Class Municipal Councils, and up to ₹1,00,00,000/- for C-Class Municipal Councils
- Encouragement of corporate sponsorships and public-private partnership (PPP) models for future sustainability
- Free access to non-formal facilities and affordable pay-and-play schemes
- Availability of coaching facilities and linkages with local sports associations
- Development of safe play areas for healthy recreation and sports.
- Provision of facilities such as walking tracks, volleyball courts, basketball courts, athletics tracks, football fields, hockey fields, artificial rock climbing walls, and tennis courts.
- Additional amenities like changing rooms, toilet blocks, storage spaces, illumination, and mild steel fencing.
- Funding assistance up to ₹3,00,00,000/- for A-Class Municipal Councils/Corporations, up to ₹2,50,00,000/- for B-Class Municipal Councils, and up to ₹1,00,00,000/- for C-Class Municipal Councils.
- Encouragement of corporate sponsorships and public-private partnership (PPP) models for future sustainability.
- Free access to non-formal facilities and affordable pay-and-play schemes.
- Availability of coaching facilities and linkages with local sports associations.
Eligibility
The following entities owning land not less than 2,000 square meters within the Municipal jurisdiction shall be eligible for the benefit under this scheme:
(a) Local Municipal body;
(b) Schools, colleges, or such other institutions;
(c) Registered Sports Clubs;
(d) Registered Housing Societies;
(e) Other Registered bodies espousing the cause of Physical fitness and Sport:
Provided that an applicant whose land falls in any of the peripheral Panchayat jurisdiction may be considered eligible.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility5.0
- Financial impact9.5
- Rural utility6.0
- Awareness4.5
- Simplicity3.0
- Inclusivity5.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The scheme aims to enhance recreational infrastructure in urban areas, benefiting registered societies and local bodies.
Key challenges addressed
- Lack of safe recreational spaces in urban areas
- Promotion of sports and physical fitness
Most beneficial for
- Registered societies
- Local municipal bodies
- Schools and colleges
Likely challenges
- Complex application process
- Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries
Practical insights for citizens
The scheme's benefits are primarily urban-focused, limiting its applicability in rural contexts.
Rural challenges
- Limited access to urban infrastructure
- Low awareness in rural areas
Digital challenges
- Limited digital access for application processes
Implementation bottlenecks
- Dependence on local municipal bodies for execution
Awareness challenges
- Low visibility of the scheme among potential beneficiaries
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Offline office
- Documents burden
- Low
- Verification complexity
- Moderate
- Office dependency
- High
- DBT dependency
- No
- CSC support
- No
- Estimated citizen effort
- Moderate
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Composite
- Benefit practicality
- High, with a focus on developing sports facilities
- Financial meaningfulness
- Moderate, as funding is substantial for eligible councils
- Long-term impact
- Positive, with potential for sustained community engagement in sports
Plain-language guidance
The F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme helps urban communities create safe play areas for sports and recreation. Registered societies and local bodies can apply for funding to develop these facilities.
- Who should apply
- Registered societies, local municipal bodies, schools, and colleges.
- Who may struggle
- First-time applicants and those unfamiliar with the application process.
- Best application route
- Apply directly at the local Urban Development Department office.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Offline
Step 1: Submission of Application
Fill out the Application Form (Annexure 1) with all required details, including the proposed facilities, justification, and business plan. Submit the completed application form to the Nodal Agency (Goa State Urban Development Agency) along with any supporting documents.
Step 3: Scrutiny and Approval
The Director of the Department of Urban Development will appoint a scrutiny committee to review the application.
The scrutiny committee will recommend the case to the Nodal Officer, who, in consultation with the Chairman of the Nodal Agency, will approve the application for benefits under the scheme.
Step 4: Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.)
Once approved, the beneficiary must sign an M.O.U. with the Nodal Agency, outlining the terms and conditions for the development and maintenance of the facilities.
Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring
The Nodal Agency will draw up a feasibility report, design, build, and transfer the facilities to the beneficiary.
*The beneficiary will be responsible for maintaining and operating the facilities, with periodic community impact studies conducted by the Nodal Agency.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- What is the minimum land area requirement for an entity to be eligible for assistance under this urban recreation scheme?
An entity must own land not less than 2000 square meters within Municipal jurisdiction to be eligible for benefits under the scheme.
- How can a school or college that owns land in a peripheral Panchayat jurisdiction qualify for the urban recreation assistance?
An applicant whose land falls in any of the peripheral Panchayat jurisdiction may be considered eligible, even if it's outside municipal limits.
- What sporting facilities can be developed on the available land under this urban development initiative?
Permissible activities include walking track, volleyball court, basketball court, athletics track of 200 meters, football field (30x40m), hockey field (40x20m), artificial rock climbing wall, and tennis court. Dimensions may vary based on land availability.
- What additional support facilities are permitted to be constructed alongside the sports infrastructure?
Additional facilities permitted include changing rooms for men and women, toilet blocks, storage space for equipment, illumination, and mild steel fencing, along with other requirements deemed essential by the Nodal Officer.
- What preference is given to football facilities in terms of surface quality?
Football gets preference for FIFA approved synthetic turfs to maintain focus on the official sports of Goa.
- What special considerations are given for athletics and hockey surfaces?
If the Nodal Agency determines scope exists, they may consider laying IAAF and FIH approved synthetic surfaces for Athletics and Hockey.
- What are the different funding limits available based on municipal council classification?
A Class Municipal Councils/Corporation can receive up to Rs. 3.0 crores, B Class up to Rs. 2.5 crores, and C Class up to Rs. 1 crore.
- What is the duration of the agreement that beneficiaries must maintain the facilities after creation?
The MoU between parties shall be effective for five years from execution, during which the beneficiary cannot alter/dismantle/dispose of any assets created.
- What are the operational requirements regarding public access to the facilities once developed?
Beneficiaries must provide generally free access to non-formal facilities and implement affordable pay-and-play schemes for other facilities.
- How should an applicant demonstrate financial sustainability in their proposal?
Applicants must submit a self-contained business plan establishing project sustainability, including meeting operations and maintenance costs.
- What coaching-related commitments must be made by the applicant organization?
The organization must ensure availability of coaching facilities and demonstrate their ability to deploy coaches and support staff.
- What partnerships are applicants required to establish for facility management?
Applicants must establish linkages with respective local Sports Associations and may pursue business partnerships to enhance financial viability.
- What information must be provided about existing sports infrastructure in the application?
Applicants must provide details of discipline-wise infrastructure owned, managed, and operated by them, along with details of existing sports facilities.
- How should an applicant justify the community impact of their proposed facility?
They must explain the impact of proposed infrastructure on community development and identification of new talent in their application.
- What management information must be included in the application?
Applicants must provide details of their management structure for operations of both existing and proposed facilities.
- If you own land within municipal jurisdiction, can you operate the facility purely for commercial purposes?
No, the sports facilities created/upgraded under the MoU may only be used for specified purposes on a non-commercial basis.
- Are educational institutions eligible to apply for this urban sports infrastructure assistance?
Yes, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions owning the required land within Municipal jurisdiction are eligible beneficiaries.
Official links
References
- Guidelines
- https://dmg.goa.gov.in/PDFs/Notifications/Notification/OFFICIAL%20GAZETTE%20Recognize%20Person%20Notification%20May%202013.pdf
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Registered Societies through benefits related to Transport & Infrastructure, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Eligibility for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Benefits under Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) is managed by Urban Development Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Applications for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is income certificate required for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme).
- Is Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) available in all states?
- No, Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) is primarily available for eligible residents of Goa and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
- Can residents outside Goa apply for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Eligibility for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) is generally limited to residents of Goa unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
- Can small and marginal farmers apply for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Eligible small and marginal farmers may apply for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) subject to land ownership records, income eligibility, and agricultural beneficiary criteria.
- Does Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) provide subsidy support for farmers?
- Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) may provide agricultural subsidies, financial assistance, crop support, irrigation benefits, insurance coverage, or farming-related welfare assistance depending on the scheme structure.
- Does Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) provide healthcare or insurance support?
- Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) may provide healthcare assistance, insurance coverage, cashless treatment support, medical reimbursement, or hospital-related benefits depending on the scheme structure.
- Can beneficiaries use Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) at government hospitals?
- Eligible beneficiaries may be able to access services at empanelled hospitals, government healthcare facilities, or authorised healthcare providers depending on scheme participation rules.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme)?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) in Goa?
- Users in Goa may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports Urban Connect Scheme (F.R.A.N.C.I.S Urban Connect Scheme) applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.