Lok Sabha Question No. 3591 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-11
Subject: Transparency in Sports Bodies
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: SUVENDU ADHIKARI, B. SREERAMULU

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

(DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.** 3591

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.8.15**

**Transparency in Sports Bodies**

3591. 	SHRI SUVENDU ADHIKARI :

SHRI B. SRIRAMULU :

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

(a) whether the Government has accepted recommendations of Special Committee set up by the  Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to end tussle between Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the major recommendations made by the Committee;

(c) the steps taken to form a unified body to meet the requirement of International Hockey Federation; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to ensure transparency and good governance in the India Olympic Association and National Sports Federations?

**THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)**

**FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS**

( **SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL** )

(a) to (c) Madam, the Special Committee constituted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) went into the details of the dispute between Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Hockey India (HI).  The said Committee also examined the matter for grant of recognition to the body for the sport of Hockey.  In their detailed report and decision dated 05.09.2012, the Committee had found, inter-alia, that the IHF did not meet any of the criteria for recognition.  On the other hand, it had found that HI satisfied all the conditions laid down for the recognition.  Therefore, the Special Committee of IOA ordered that Hockey India be confirmed and endorsed as the Central Authority responsible for all matters relating to hockey in India.  The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in WP No.270/2010 of SLP(C) 24470/2010 directed the Union of India to take appropriate decision in the matter and place it before the Court. In pursuance to the aforesaid Orders, Government held meetings at different levels with the claimants to reach an agreement.  Thereafter, they were asked to submit documents in compliance with the conditions for forming a unified body for men & women, recognition of the international Federation, recognition of Indian Olympic Association, free and fair elections, acceptance of Government guidelines, etc. After careful and detailed examination of the documents on record and keeping in view all the relevant factors, it was found that Hockey India fulfilled the said conditions and ‘Hockey India’ was granted recognition as the NSF for governing the sport of hockey (both men & women) in India vide order dated 28.2.14.

(d)	NSFs are autonomous bodies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860/Companies Act. The Government does not interfere in their day to day affairs, which include holding of sports events, selection of players, etc.  However, Government has made it mandatory for them to follow norms for transparency and good governance through the National Sports Development Code, 2011.  Important norms are as follows:

1. The President of any recognized NSFs, including the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) can hold the office for a maximum period of twelve years with or without break.
2. The Secretary (or by whatever other designation such as Secretary General or General Secretary by which he is referred to) and the Treasurer of any recognized NSF, including the IOA, may serve a maximum of two successive terms of four years each after which a minimum cooling off period of four years will apply to seek fresh election to either post.
3. The President, the Secretary and the Treasurer of any recognized NSF, including the IOA, shall cease to hold that post on attaining the age of 70 years.
4. Government on 26.2.2015 has issued instructions to all the NSFs to place on their website, various details of the international events held in India and abroad such as notification of selection criteria for such events well in advance along with the details of time and venue for selection, list of core probables and basis of their selection, etc.

Government has taken a number of steps to ensure that all NSFs function in a transparent manner.  Instructions have been issued for prevention of sexual harassment of women athletes, transparency in selection of players, prevention of age fraud etc.  These instructions have also been made an integral part of the National Sports Development Code of India.

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