Question : Funds for Para Olympics Committee

(a) the details of the current status of funds allocated to Para Olympics Committee of India for upliftment of players and the facilities being introduced to equip them at par with the international players;
(b) the details of facilities provided specially for para players in the State of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan;
(c) the details of the current representation of para players in Sports Authorities;
(d) whether the Government proposes to provide training under Target Olympic Podium Scheme to the athletes for upcoming events; and
(e) if so, the details of the athletes trained under such Scheme?

THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR]

(a) The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is provided funds/grants by Government of India under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations towards conducting National Coaching Camps, Foreign Exposures, National Championships, Purchase of Equipment, Salary of Coaches and Sports Staff etc. The Para-athletes are provided all requisite facilities at par with other sportspersons, besides their special needs. For the financial year 2020-21 and the current financial year, i.e. 2021-22, an amount of Rs.10.30 crore was allocated to PCI out of which till date Rs.6.80 crore have been utilised. In addition to the above, an amount of Rs.10.50 crore was spent during the last Paralympic cycle under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for the para athletes who were medal probable, towards training, out of pocket allowance, competitive exposures abroad, purchase of equipment, Sports Science services etc.
(b) Para sports have been placed in the ‘Priority’ category for financial assistance by the Government and all the requisite assistance is provided for training and competitive exposure of the para athletes, as per the norms laid down for this purpose.
Indian para-athletes, including those from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, are being supported under various Schemes of this Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI). The identified promising sportspersons/teams including para athletes are provided all requisite facilities for their preparations including wholesome nutritious diet, equipment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, lodging, travelling facilities, services of reputed Indian and Foreign Coaches/supporting staff, scientific & medical support, sports kit, etc., besides financial assistance for their training abroad and participation in international competitions in India and abroad. Currently, 4 para-athletes from Rajasthan and 1 para-athlete from Uttar Pradesh are being provided equipment support, foreign exposure, sports kit, expert coaching and Out of Pocket Allowance, etc. under the TOPS.
(c) Representation of para players in sports authorities is regulated in terms of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and constitutions of the concerned sports bodies. For representation of sportspersons in management committees of NSFs including PCI, National Sports Development Code 2011 provides for at least 25% representation of sportspersons.
(d) & (e) Presently, 29 para-athletes are being supported for training and foreign exposure under the TOPS. The details of the athletes are placed at Annexure.