The Assam government on Friday offered the job of a deputy superintendent of police to sprint queen Hima Das for her Jakarta Asian Games gold medal-winning feat.

This was announced by Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during his budget speech in the Assembly here. The offer came as part of implementation of the state’s newly adopted sports policy that envisages government jobs to Olympics and Asian Games medallists.

“Sportspersons who win medals in Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games will be designated as Grade-I officers. Hima Das will be the first recipient to be offered the post of deputy superintendent of police,” Sarma said. “Any Olympic or Asian Games medallists will be entitled to direct appointment as Assam Civil Service or Assam Police Service official. They will not have to sit for civil service examinations,” he added.

Reacting to the government gesture, Hima tweeted: “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Chief Minister @sarbanandsonwal sir and the Honourable Finance Minister of Assam @himantabiswa sir for having offering me the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police in recognition of my achievements and motivating me and countless budding sportspersons to strive for medal winning performance...(sic)”

Hima’s aunt Pushpalata Das said: “Hima called me up this evening to say that she is extremely happy for the recognition. We, all her family members, are happy and grateful to the government. We wish Hima brings more laurels to the country.” The people of Hima’s hometown, Dhing, welcomed the announcement. “She deserves the post. This is not a job but an honour,” said her college teacher Biman Hazarika.

Sarma also announced on Friday that the government proposes to develop the Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Vaisnavite saint Srimanta Xankardeb, into a tourist site on the lines of Golden Temple in Amritsar. Batadrava is adjacent to Dhing, a township 40km from Nagaon town.