Lok Sabha Question No. 129 (STARRED), answered on 2021-12-07
Subject: Rural Sports Programme
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Sanganna Amarappa Karadi, Devendrappa Y

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *129 ANSWERED ON 07.12.2021

Rural Sports Programme

*129. SHRI SANGANNA AMARAPPA: SHRI Y. DEVENDRAPPA:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Rural  Sports  Programme  was  started  in  the  country  for broadcasting games and sports and to tap the hidden talents in the rural areas of the country;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  funds  allocated  and  the expenditure incurred during each of the last five years and the current year under the said programme, sports discipline-wise and State-wise, especially in the State of Karnataka;

(c) whether the Government has any mechanism to monitor the progress of the said programme; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the extent to which the said programme has been successful?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR }

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *129  ANSWERED  ON  07.12.2021  REGARDING ' RURAL  SPORTS  PROGRAMME '  ASKED  BY SHRI  SANGANNA  AMARAPPA AND SHRI Y. DEVENDRAPPA , HON'BLE MEMBER S OF LOK SABHA

(a)  to  (d) 'Sports'  being  a  State  subject,  the primary  responsibility  for implementation of sports programmes  in  rural areas rests with the State/Union Territory Governments. Central Government supplements their efforts. This Ministry is running various schemes for promotion of sports as well as attaining excellence in sports through a number  of sports competitions,  training  centres/academies,  coaching  programmes,  talent identification  and  development  programmes,  etc.  Most  sports  persons benefitting under these schemes come from rural areas. The 'Khelo India National  Programme  for  Development  of  Sports' of  this  Ministry  aims  at strengthening the entire sports ecosystem to promote the twin objectives of mass  participation  and  promotion  of  excellence  in  sports  across  the country.  It  focuses  on  broad-basing  of  sports  amongst  the  youth  of  the country and promotion of sports activities throughout the country, including the rural areas. One of the components of this Scheme, 'Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games' is spe cifically dedicated to the rural sector of the  country.  Under  this  vertical,  the  traditional  sports  of  Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Yogasana and Silambam have been identified  for  promotion  and  scholarships  have  been  given  to  283  medal winners.  The  Ministry  is  also  promoting  rural  and  indigenous/tribal  games through the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' sports events and online documentaries. Grants have been provided for infrastructure development, equipment  support,  appointment  of  coaches,  training  of  coaches  and scholarships in the rural areas. A total of ₹ 29.44 crores has been spent for promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games. State-wise details are not maintained in this Ministry.

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