(a) Whether the Union Government has provided Rs. 100 crores from the current financial
year to improve sports facilities in the States ;
(b) if so, the sports on which the money will be utilized ;
(c) whether the Union Government has announced its sports policy in this regard ;
(d) if so, the main features of the policy ; and
(e) the time by which this policy is likely to be implemented ?
THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ AND YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)
(a) to (e) : As `Sports` is a State subject in the Constitution, the primary responsibility for
creation of sports facilities throughout the country lies with State Governments. Till 31.3.2005,
the Ministry was supplementing the efforts of State Governments for creation of sports facilities
in various states by providing assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Sports Infrastructure Schemes
in accordance with the approved pattern. With effect from 1.4.2005, the Sports Infrastructure Schemes
were transferred to the State Sector. Thus, fresh cases of Sports Infrastructure projects will now
have to be funded by State Governments out of their own resources. However, funds to the extent of
committed liabilities will be provided for ongoing approved Sports Infrastructure projects during the
remaining period of the X Plan.
In addition, the Ministry is implementing the scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations.
Under this scheme, Central assistance is provided to the recognised National Sports Federations, which
are autonomous registered bodies, for participation of teams/sportspersons in tournaments and training
abroad, organizing National/International Championships in India and purchase of sports equipments. The
budget allocation under the scheme during the current financial assistance year 2006-07 is Rs.43.60 Crores.
In addition, the Sports Authority of India is also implementing various schemes for the promotion of sports
including scouting and nurturing of talent and providing facilities for training and coaching etc.; a budget
allocation of Rs. 165.72 crores has been provided for the SAI during the 2006-07