Question : NON PAYMENT TO ATHLETES

(a) whether the Government is aware that Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has not yet paid the amount released by Sports Authority of India to the players who had participated in second International Sports Competition 2012 in Kuwait, Malaysia Sports Competition in 2013 and US Sports Competition in 2011;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor along with the details of officials found responsible for the lapse;

(c) whether the Government proposes to take action against the guilty officials;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the time by which the said players are likely to be made payment?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (e) Madam, complaints have been received from a few para-athletes about non-payment of dues by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) in respect of International events held in Kuwait and Malaysia. There has been frequent change in the office bearers of PCI during last 4 years and PCI was also de-recognized by the Government due to mismanagement in their functioning. Recently, PCI has again been placed under suspension by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Government of India due to mismanagement.

The matter of non-payment of dues was taken-up with Sports Authority of India (SAI) who in turn has directed PCI to clear all the dues of Para-Athletes immediately.