Question : NATIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT FUND

(a) the objectives and composition of the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) along with the details of grants so far received by it since its inception;

(b) the details of the criteria laid down for sanctioning of funds under the scheme;

(c) the details of sportspersons assisted, the funds sanctioned and released under the NSDF scheme during the said period, sports discipline-wise;

(d) the steps taken to create awareness amongst the sportspersons across the country about the availability of Government assistance through NSDF;

(e) whether contribution to NSDF is exempted from payment of income tax; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) F0R YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) has been established under the Charitable Endowments Act 1890 vide the Government of India Notification dated 12.11.1998.

The Fund has been established with the objects of promotion of sports and games in the country with emphasis on providing special training and coaching to sportspersons for achieving excellence at national and international level; the fund also provides assistance for development of infrastructure for promotion of excellence in sports.

The management and administration of the Fund vest with the Council of NSDF, constituted by the Central Government. The Council was last re-constituted in March 2012; Union Minister in-charge of Youth Affairs & Sports is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Council; the members of the Council include senior officers in the Department of Sports, representatives of Apex industry bodies and Sports Promotion Boards of some organizations.

The day-to-day working of the Fund is managed by an Executive Committee; the Executive Committee is now headed by Joint Secretary (Sports).

A statement giving details of the contributions to the NSDF is attached at Annexure I.

(b) Top level sportspersons, who are medal prospects in Olympics, Asian Games and other major international competitions, are selected for assistance under the scheme. Also proposals of reputed organizations, which are engaged in activities for promotion of sports and games and make significant contribution in the field are considered for assistance. Proposals received from such sportspersons and institutes/organizations seeking financial assistance are cleared by the Executive Committee based on merit, provided they fall within the ambit of the objectives of the Fund

(c) A statement giving details of the financial assistance to sportspersons for sports training- cum-competitions during the said period is attached at Annexure II.

(d) The features of the NSDF scheme are uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. www.yas.nic.in under department of sports section.

(e) & (f) The contribution to NSDF is exempted from payment of Income Tax in terms of the provisions of 80 G (2) (iiihg) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.