Question : Transparency in the Functioning of Sports Bodies

(a) whether the Government has issued directions to various Sports
Associations/Boards including BCCI to conduct their election in
accordance with the extant directives of international Bodies;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Sports
Associations/Boards including BCCI thereto;
(c) whether the Government has formulated any action plan to deal with
these Sports Bodies for non-compliance of the said directives and if so,
the details thereof;
(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure free and fair
election in these Sports Bodies and bring professionalism and
transparency in the selection process of suitable sportspersons;
(e) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure proper
professionalism and transparency in the administration and functioning
of these Sports Bodies in the country; and
(f) whether the Government proposes to bring BCCI under the provisions
of the Right to Information Act and if so, the details thereof and if not,
the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS
AND SPORTS
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)
(a) No, Madam.
(b) & (c) Do not arise in view of reply to part (a) above.
(d) & (e) Madam, Government of India has framed National Sports
Development Code (NSDC) of India, 2011, effective from 31/1/2011, to bring in
transparency and accountability in the functioning of the various National
Sports Federations (NSFs) for healthy development of sports in the country.
As per this code, NSFs have to follow proper democratic and healthy
management practices which provide for greater accountability and
transparency at all levels; adopt impartial and transparent selection
procedures; adhere to age and duration of tenure limit of office bearers;
follow guidelines on Good governance in the context of „Basic Universal
Principle of Good Governance of Olympic and Sports Movement?; adopt
proper accounting procedures at all levels and produce annual financial
statements; comply with the provisions of Right to Information Act; hold the
elections as per Model election guidelines issued by the Government, etc. In
case of failure by any NSF to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry
from time to time, appropriate action against such NSFs are taken by the
Ministry which includes suspension/de-recognition/non-renewal of annual
recognition, etc.
(f) Madam, the matter regarding BCCI to be a Public Authority in
terms of section 2(h) of the RTI Act was raised before the Central
Information Commission (CIC) which in turn sought the views of this Ministry.
This Ministry made written submissions to CIC on 16.12.2011 and 9.1.2012,
pleading to bring BCCI under the RTI Act. CIC issued Notice for hearing the
matter on 25.7.2013. Against the Notice of CIC to hear the case, BCCI filed
WP No.20229/2013 in the Madras High Court. The CIC and Ms. Madhu Agrawal
have been cited as respondents in this case. Hon?ble Madras High Court vide
its order dated 24.7.2013, in aforesaid Writ Petition, had ordered interim stay
of all other proceedings.
In its judgement dated 18th July, 2016 in the case of BCCI Vs.
Cricket Association of Bihar & others, Hon?ble Supreme Court has stated as
follows, “As a possible first step in the direction in bringing BCCI under
purview of Right to Information Act, we expect the Law Commission of India
to examine the issue and make a suitable recommendation to the
Government”.
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