Question : Financial Support for Poor Children

(a) whether the Government has received cases requesting financial support for poor children having potential and interest for sports at local/zonal level across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UTwise including Maharashtra, Kerala and West Bengal along with the action taken thereon by the Government;

(c) whether the Government proposes to implement schemes like scholarship for such children across the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
{COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.)}

(a) & (b): Department of Sports does receive proposals from time to time from sportspersons including from economically weaker sections for training and participation in sports events, procurement of sports equipment etc. Requisite support in terms of provisions of
the various schemes of the Ministry such as Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations(NSFs), National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) is provided to them.

Department of Sports does not maintain State/UT wise record.

(c) & (d): Department of Sports is implementing Khelo India Scheme, which inter-alia includes a vertical of ‘Talent Search and Development’ which provides for supporting talented athletes. The identified talents will be supported with an annual financial assistance of Rs.5.00 lakh for a period of 8 years which is to be provided to about 1000 talented athletes identified through various avenues, including school and university level competitions.
***