(a) whether a National Conference of Youth Affairs and Sports held in February, 2005;
(b) if so, the details of its deliberations and outcome thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to include Sports in Concurrent List;
(d) if so, whether all the States were consulted in this regard; and
(e) if so, the response thereof?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SUNIL DUTT)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The major issues discussed in the Conference related to subjects of transferring `Sports` to the Concurrent List of the Constitution; formulation of State Youth & Sports Policies; implementations issues in respect of new schemes, strengthening the monitoring and delivery mechanism of various programmes of the Ministry etc.
The general view on some of the key issues, which emerged out of the discussions were:
1. The annual budgetary allocation for the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports needs to be substantially enhanced.
2. Review of the decision to transfer of Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Sports Infrastructure, as it would adversely affect the future growth of sports infrastructure in the country. The committed liabilities of Rs.160 crores should be provided for during the next 2 to 3 years.
3. Further consultation was required in the respective States on the issue of bringing the subject of `Sports` in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Individual State Governments shall take a view on the subject and send written communication in this regard.
4. Autonomous premier organizations like Sports Authority of India and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) should be made more effective, responsible and accountable and their field formations should have closer interaction with State agencies. The financial as well as administrative structure of these organizations may also be strengthened & expanded further.
5. Need for formulation and adoption of State Youth and Sports policies by all the States and Union Territories. 6. Plan of Action for Celebration of 2005 as International Year of Physical Education and Sports be implemented.
7 Need for greater stress on physical education in institutions by introducing it as part of the curriculum.
8. Revision of the Scheme of State Sports Academy so as to utilize the existing sports infrastructure for broad basing sports.
9. Need for providing mass participation in physical fitness by involving Panchayati Raj Institutions, NYKS, etc. 10. Early formulation of Scheme for setting up National and State Youth Centres as envisaged under the X Five Year Plan. 11. The State Ministers` Conference should be made an annual feature.