Lok Sabha Question No. 222 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-02
Subject: Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: BHARATI DHIRUBHAI SHIYAL, YOGI ADITYANATH, RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.222 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2017

Target Olympic Podium Scheme

- †222.   DR. BHARATIBEN D. SHYAL: SHRI YOGI ADITYA NATH: DR. RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY:

Will the  Minister of  YOUTH  AFFAIRS AND SPORTS; be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the funds spent by the Government on the training of  sportspersons  under  the  Target  Olympic  Podium  Scheme  (TOPS) during the last two years and the current year;
- (b) the  number  of  the  sportspersons  benefitted  under  the  scheme during the said period;
- (c) the  criteria  adopted  for  selection  of  beneficiaries  under  the scheme;
- (d) the  details  of  funds  earmarked  by  the  Government  under  the scheme for the forthcoming sports competitions;
- (e) whether the Government has received any complaints of alleged irregularities under the scheme; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken/being taken by the Government thereon?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI VIJAY GOEL)

- (a) The details of the funds spent by the Government on the training of  sportspersons  under  the  Scheme  of  National  Sports  Development Fund  (NSDF)  and  Target  Olympic  Podium  Scheme  (TOPS)  during  the last two years and the current year are as under:-
- (b) 189 sportspersons have been benefited under the scheme during last two year and current year.
- (c) Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  and  Sports  constituted  a  Committee namely  'NSDF  TOP  Scheme  Elite  Identification  Committee'  in  July 2014. The Committee, after elaborate consultation with the representatives of the National Sports Federations, National Coaches of different sports disciplines and other experts, laid down the norms for selection of the candidates under the programme and identified/selected  potential  athletes  from  time  to  time  for  support under  the  TOP  Scheme  for  preparing  them  for  Olympics/Paralympics 2016.

| Year      | Assistance released under TOP Scheme.   | Assistance released (in Rupees)   |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| 2014-2015 | Directly released by NSDF.              | 10,88,914                         |
| 2015-2016 | Directly released by NSDF.              | 8,06,06,267                       |
| 2016-2017 | Directly released by NSDF.              | 4,72,15,099                       |
|           | Funds released by SAI.                  | 18,06,55,636                      |
| Total     |                                         | 30,95,65,916                      |

These athletes were identified through a process of research and in  consultation  with  the  concerned  stakeholders.    Benchmark  for selection of these athletes under the scheme was their performance in relation to the international standard.  The selection was not just on the basis of reputation, national rank, performance in Commonwealth and Asian Games  only, but also on their current performance, consistency, fitness and the laid down bench mark.

- (d) There  is  no  specific  budgetary  allocation  for  Target  Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme.  However,  funds earmarked under the Scheme of NSDF as Government share has been kept as Rs.5.00 crore during the year 2016-17, which has already been released for NSDF.
- (e) No, Madam.
- (f) In view of (e) above, does not arise.

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