Question : National Sports Development Code of India

(a) the salient features of the National Sports Development Code of India (NSDCI);

(b) the manner in which NSDCI ensures transparency and accountability in the functioning of National Sports Federations (NSFs);

(c) whether all the NSFs have been mandated to strictly follow NSDCI and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that some NSFs are not following NSDCI strictly;

(e) whether any Committee is set up for the purpose and if so, the details thereof along with the composition thereof and the areas on which the Committee is working; and

(f) the manner in which the Government is to ensure strict compliance of NSDCI by all the NSFs, and other sports bodies in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR
YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)

(a)&(b): Madam, the salient features of the National Sports Development Code of India (NSDCI), inter-alia, are:

(1) To define the areas of responsibility of the various agencies involved in the promotion and development of sports;

(2) To identify NSFs eligible for coverage under the code, to set priorities, and to detail the procedures to be followed by the Federations; and

(3) To state the conditions for eligibility to receive government recognition and grant.

As per the provisions of NSDCI, NSFs are required to follow proper democratic and healthy management practices to ensure greater accountability and transparency at all levels; adherence to age and tenure restrictions of office bearers; adopt and follow the basic universal principles of good governance in sports, comply with the provisions of Right to Information Act and holding of elections as per the Model election guidelines issued by the Government; etc.

(c)&(d): Madam, all the National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are required to adopt mandatorily the provis0ions of the NSDCI. Archery Association of India, Judo Federation of India and All India Tennis Association had failed to follow the provisions of the NSDCI relating to the age & tenure restriction of office bearers. Further, Cycle Polo Federation of India and Netball Federation of India failed to hold their elections after it had become due. Hence, annual recognition to these NSFs has not been given by the Government.

(e) In view of recent developments relating to good governance in sports bodies including judicial pronouncements, international best practices, etc., Government had set up a Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Sports), Government of India consisting of prominent international medalists, Olympians, an international level coach, a lawyer, a media person and sports administrators to re-visit the existing provisions of NSDCI-2011 and to make recommendations to further strengthen the governance frame work for the sports bodies. The Committee completed its deliberation and has already submitted its report to the Government.

(f) The annual recognition of the NSFs which failed to adhere to the provisions of the NSDCI is withheld/ withdrawn. Consequently, such NSFs are not eligible to receive financial assistance from various schemes of the Government.
_______________