Lok Sabha Question No. 955 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-08
Subject: Boosting Sports Activity in Northeast Region
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Agatha K. Sangma

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 955 ANSWERED ON 08.02.2022

Boosting Sports Activity in Northeast Region

## 955.  KUMARI AGATHA K. SANGMA:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  initiatives  to  boost  sports activity in the Northeast region, especially considering the recent success of sportspersons from the region at the 2021 Olympics;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  of  the  implementation  of  the 'Khelo  India'  in  the Northeast region, in terms of funds disbursed and number of beneficiaries since 2018, State/UT-wise; and
- (c) whether the Government is considering any additional financial support to sportspersons above and beyond the five lakhs per annum guaranteed by the 'Khelo India' Scheme?

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

- (a)  For  boosting  sports  participation  in  the  country,  including  the  North Eastern  Region,  this  Ministry  implements  a  number  of  Schemes  aimed  at broad-basing  of  sports  and  promotion  of  excellence  in  sports.  Under  the Khelo India Scheme, 64 sports infrastructure projects of various categories have been sanctioned in the North Eastern Region amounting to ₹ 439.51 crore.  Further,  the  National  Sports  University  has  been  established  in Imphal,  Manipur  to  promote  sports  education  in  the  fields  of  sports sciences,  sports  technology,  sports  management,  and sports  coaching.  In addition, a North Eastern Regional Centre of Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) is also operational since 2009-10 in Guwahati, Assam.
- (b)  Under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme  of  this  Ministry,  08  Khelo  India  State Centres of Excellence and 152 Khelo India Centres have been sanctioned in the  North  Eastern  Region.  Further,  22  sports  academies  have  also  been

accreditated and 02 Army Boys Sports Companies are  being supported in the  North  Eastern  Region.  A  total  of  195  Khelo  India  Athletes  have  been identified from the North Eastern Region. Funds are released Scheme-wise, not State-wise. The details of funds allocated and expenditure made under the Khelo India Scheme since its inception are given below:

( ₹ in crore)

| Year    |   Amount Allocated |   Actual Expenditure (As on 30.01.2022) |
|---------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| 2016-17 |             118.1  |                                  118.1  |
| 2017-18 |             350    |                                  346.99 |
| 2018-19 |             375.09 |                                  342.24 |
| 2019-20 |             578    |                                  575.52 |
| 2020-21 |             338.93 |                                  338.93 |
| 2021-22 |             657.71 |                                  395    |

(c) Under  the 'Support to National/Regional/State  Sports  Academies' vertical  of  the  Khelo  India  Scheme,  financial  assistance  of  ₹ 6,28,400/-, including  ₹  1,20,000/ -  as  Out  of  Pocket  Allowance  (OPA),  per  annum  per athlete,  is  provided  to  the  accredited  academies  for  training  of  the  Khelo India  Athletes.  Under  the  Target  Olympic  Podium  Scheme  (TOPS),  the Government provides assistance to India's top athletes in their preparations for Olympics and Paralympics. An OPA of ₹ 50,000/ - per month is paid to the Core  Group  athletes.  Apart  from  OPA,  entire  expenditure  for  the  training plan  submitted  by  the  sportsperson  is  met  under  TOPS.  Further,  TOPS Development Group athletes receive an OPA of ₹ 25,000/ -  and  customised training support at National Centres of Excellence.

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