(a) whether a National Sports Development Fund has been set-up;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the activities of the fund since its inception?
(a) whether a National Sports Development Fund has been set-up;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the activities of the fund since its inception?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS AND MINES (SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 400 FOR REPLY ON 21.8.2000 REGARDING NATIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT FUND BY SHRI UTTAMRAO DHIKALE
(a) Yes Sir.
(b) Considering the promotion of Sports and Games in the country as an important aspect of human resource development and in view of the fact that the constraint of resources is the main bottleneck in this direction, the Government had decided to set up National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) during 1998-99. Accordingly, NSDF was notified on 12.11.98. This Fund was set up with a view to mobilize resources from various Government/Semi Government organizations, Public/Private Sector Units and individuals including Non Resident Indians. The accumulations of the Fund are to be utilized for promotion of sports and games, in general and for specific sports disciplines and individual sports persons, in particular for achieving excellence in the field of sports and games at National and international level. Assistance from the fund can be provided for the following purposes:
- For special training and coaching in relevant sports disciplines to sports persons, coaches and sports specialists.
- For creation and maintenance of sports infrastructure.
- For procuring sports equipment.
- For taking up research and developmental studies.
- Interest free or low interest loans can also be provided for any of the above-stated projects.
For management of the Fund there is a provision of constitution of a Council under the chairpersonship of Minister incharge of the Ministry. Apart from official members, the Council is represented by eight eminent sports persons and upto nine eminent persons representing corporate sector, private foundations and not for profit voluntary organizations. For managing day to day working there is provision for an Executive Committee, under the chairpersonship of Secretary (YA & Sports).
(c): The initial focus has been on attracting money into the Fund, which now has a total of Rs. 2,46,92,447/-. Continuing efforts are being made in this regard.. The Council and the Executive Committee of the Fund have also been constituted. The Fund will concentrate on promotional activities as already enumerated in (b) above.