Lok Sabha Question No. 605 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-13
Subject: Promotion of Sports among Rural Youth
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: BHAVANA GAWALI (PATIL)

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †605 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2018

Promotion of Sports among Rural Youth

†605. SHRIMATI BHAVANA PUNDALIKRAO GAWALI PATIL:

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

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any policy or started any programme  for  promotion  of  sports  among  the  rural  youth  in  the country;
- (b) if so, the details and the outcome  thereof along with the achievements made in this regard;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to start any such programme to increase participation of the rural youth in sports?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS {COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.)}

(a) to (d) 'Sports'  is  a  State  subject  and  promotion  of  sports  in  the country, including promotion of Sports among rural youth is primarily the  responsibility  of  the  State  Government  and  the  National  Sports Federations (NSFs) concerned. The Central Government complements/supplements  the  efforts  of  the  State  Governments  and the NSFs. Government is already running several schemes to increase participation of the rural youth in sports.

The  Khelo  India  Scheme  implemented  by  this  Ministry  provides for  promotion  of  sports  in  the  entire  country  including  among  rural youth.  Also,  the  scheme  has  a  dedicated  vertical,  viz.,  Promotion  of rural and indigenous/tribal games which provides for financial assistance  to  NSFs  /  Non  Government  Organizations  (NGOs)  etc  for promotion  of  sports  in  the  country  including  rural  areas.  Under  this vertical various NSFs have been provided financial assistance to hold competitions  in  various  parts  of  the  country  including  those  in  rural areas. During the period from January to October 2018, a total number of 36 such competitions / exhibition events had been held.

Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous organization under the  aegis  of  the  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  &  Sports,  is  implementing following  sports  promotional  schemes  across  the  country  to  identify talented  sports  persons  in  the  age  group  of  8-25  years  and  nurture them to excel at national and international competitions;

-  National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)
- 
- Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC)
- 
- 
- SAI Training Centre (STC)
- Special Area Games (SAG)
-  Extension Centre of STC/SAG
- 
- Centre of Excellence (COE)
-  National Sports Academies (NSA)

Many of the sports persons identified under SAI Sports Promotional Schemes belong to the rural, tribal, backward, coastal and inaccessible hilly areas of the country and are provided with training facilities  in  the  form  of  expert  sports  coaches,  requisite  playing facilities, boarding & lodging, sports kit, competition exposure, educational expenses,  medical/insurance  and  stipend as per the approved norms.

In addition, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), an autonomous  organization  under  aegis  of  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  & Sports, undertakes programmes such as Block and District level Sports Meets, providing sports material to Youth Clubs etc., for popularizing and  encouraging  sports  and  develop  competitive  spirit  among  youth including rural youth. During 2017-18, a total 2965 Block level sports meets and 556 District level sports meets were conducted by NYKS.

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