Question : National Institute of Water Sports

(a) whether it is a fact that there is only institute in the country functioning in Goa for training and certification in water sports and related activities;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the details of prerequisites for establishment of National Institute of Water Sports in States in the country;
(c) whether the Government has any plan to set up National Institute of Water Sports in Maharashtra;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government is planning to promote the water sports in the country and if so, the action taken in this regards?

MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) to (d): National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa is a centre functioning under the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM), a central autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism, for training and certification in water sports and related activities. NIWS, Goa is mandated to impart training in water related sports activities across all States and UTs. For opening of any centre of a central autonomous body there are factors including potential for tourism development, resource availability, viability, demand and other such factors and comparative advantage among various sites across States and UTs. No proposal has been received in the Ministry for setting up of NIWS in Maharashtra.

(e): The Ministry has been taking concerted efforts to support the State and UT Govts. for the promotion of Watersports related tourism in the Country. Ministry of Tourism provides Grant-in-aid support to the State and UT Govts. for the Island, Beach and Water-front development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, to which, Watersports, Beach Safety etc. are important components. In addition, the Ministry has a mechanism for the approval of adventure tour operators in India.

Through the National Institute of Watersports (NIWS) Goa, support is provided to the State and UT Governments in matters related to preparation of Policies, Guidelines, SOP’s, manpower training etc. To strengthen the activities, NIWS has already entered MOU arrangements with State and UT Governments as well as the Indian Navy Physical Training School.

Over 27 courses in Watersports and related activities have also been developed by NIWS. The trainers of the Institute also imparts training to different States and UT’s and undertake off-campus training courses. NIWS also undertakes watersports awareness campaigns on both online and physical modes.

*****