(a) whether the Government is implementing any scheme for the promotion of sports in the tribal areas of the country including Madhya Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether there is any proposal to introduce a new policy for the development of sports in the said areas; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The Department of Sports and the Sports Authority of India ( SAI) have been implementing a number of schemes for promotion of sports in tribal areas of the country including Madhya Pradesh. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan ( RGKA) Scheme, it has been decided to construct a sports complex in each block of the country both for outdoor and indoor sports disciplines at a total cost of Rs. 1.60 crores in a phased manner over a period of 5 years. It has also been decided to organize rural sports competitions under this scheme from the block level to the national level. Provision for separate competitions for women, LWE-affected areas and North East has been made. SAI implements various sports promotional schemes like National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC), Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC), Special Area Games (SAG), SAI Training Center (STC) and Centre of Excellence (COEx), under which assistance is provided to the trainees for boarding, lodging, equipment, sports kit, stipend, competition exposure, etc. These schemes are equally applicable to various states.
(c) No, Madam.
(d) The current policy takes care of the development of sports in tribal areas. Initiatives are taken from time-to-time under the existing policy to strengthen sports development initiatives in tribal areas.