(a) whether the Government has made adequate allocation of funds to provide state-of-the-art Sports arenas and recreation facilities for the youth in the smart city projects across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the experts of foreign companies will be invited for collaboration with Indian companies for construction of such facilities in the smart cities; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)
(a) to (d) : ‘Sports’ is a State subject. State has primary responsibility for promotion and development of sports in respective state including sports infrastructure viz. Sports arenas, recreational facilities, etc. However, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India supplement the efforts of the State Governments under their schemes aiming at broad-basing of sports and promotion, development and excellence in sports.
As per the Mission guidelines for smart cities, one of the essential features for comprehensive development in smart cities is preserving and developing open spaces – parks, playgrounds and recreational spaces in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects in areas and generally promote eco-balance.
Funding and other operational aspects for development of smart cities will be regulated in accordance with the Mission guidelines for smart cities.
Further, a Scheme called “Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports” is being implemented by this Ministry as a Central Sector Scheme from the financial year 2016-17. This Scheme, inter-alia, provides for creation of sports infrastructure facilities, namely, Synthetic Athletic Track, Synthetic Hockey Field, Synthetic Turf Football Ground, Multipurpose hall, Swimming pool, etc all over the country. Release of grant under this Scheme is demand-driven and made against proposals received from States/UTs and other eligible entities, as given below :
1. State Governments/State Sports Council/State Sports Authority;
2. Local Civic Bodies;
3. School, Colleges and Universities under Central/State Governments; and
4. Sports Control Boards.
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