(a) whether adequate funds are available for the implementation of various schemes/programmes for the benefit/welfare of youth and sports activities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the action taken by the Government to expand the scope of various schemes viz. Nehru
Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Scouting and Guiding and the National Service Scheme etc.?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The scheme wise details of Plan funds allocated during the year 2013-14 are given at Annexure.
(c) During the past few years the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan(NYKS) has expanded its scope by
increasing the number of District Nehru Yuva Kendras from 501 to 623 and the number of Zonal
Offices from 18 to 28. NYKS has introduced new programmes - Youth Leadership and Personality
Development Programme, Skill Upgradation Training Programme for women. To strengthen the
Youth Clubs, Mentor Youth Club Programme has been introduced. Honorarium to National Youth
Corps(NYC) volunteers has been enhanced from Rs 1000/- to Rs.2500/- per month.
Further, new initiatives have been taken up for implementing programmes and activities of various
Ministries/Departments relating to awareness campaigns and advocacy like projects in the field of
prevention of drug abuse and alcoholism in Pubjab and Manipur, Awareness Generation of
MGNREGA in 10 States, Tribal Youth Exchange Programme Adolescents Development and
Empowerment programme, J&K exchange programme, Voter Awareness Programme through
Election Commission, Awareness against AIDS and Sanitation Programme (Nirmal Bihar) etc.
In regard to National Service Scheme (NSS), the Ministry has enhanced the cost norms for its
regular activities from Rs.160/- & Rs.200/- to Rs.250 per volunteer and for special camping
programmes from Rs.300/- & Rs.400/- to Rs.450/- per volunteer w.e.f. 1st April, 2010.
This enhancement has contributed towards improvement in the quality and content of NSS Programmes.
NSS coverage has been increased by establishment of 1072 Self Financing Units in various
educational institutions. As for Scouting & Guiding activities, an amount of Rs.1.00 crore
has been earmarked during the current financial year.