Question : Strengthening of Sports Infrastructure

(a) the details of projects implemented to strengthen sports facilities and infrastructure to tap sports and athletic potential of youth in Bihar during each of last three years;

(b) the total amount sanctioned/ released to other States of the country including Bihar and Jharkhand to encourage sports and youth activities and for the construction of stadiums and youth hostels during each of the last three years and current year;

(c) whether the budgetary provisions made for such schemes/programmes is sufficient and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government has proposed any special scheme/policy for the youth of country including Bihar, Jharkhand and other under-privileged youth, living in villages for promoting their participation, developing their skills, identifying them and encouraging them to take part in games and if so, the details thereof;

(e) the details of facilities provided by Sports Authority of India (SAI) to hockey, football, athletes and archery players, particularly in training facilities of international level, supplementary nutrition and employment to boys/girls belonging to economically weaker sections during the said period; and

(f) the total funds allocated by the Government for the development of sports infrastructure and activities of SAI in Bihar during the said period and the details of new sports projects being undertaken in Bihar?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
{ SHRI KIREN RIJIJU }

(a) Sports’ being a State subject the primary responsibility of promotion and participation in Sports rests with concerned State/Union Territory Government. Central Government supplements efforts of the State/Union Territories. One sports infrastructure project namely construction of Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Nawada was sanctioned in Bihar during 2018-19. However, due to non-fulfilment of electronic payment system compliances by the Bihar State Sports Authority, the funds could not be transferred.

(b) The total amount released to the States of the country including Bihar and Jharkhand under Khelo India Scheme during last three years and current financial year is at Annexure – I. No funds have been released for construction of stadium or youth hostels during last three years and in the current financial year.

(c) Sports has been a growing field and therefore it is natural for the demand to exceed budgetary allocation.

(d) and (e) The Central Government has been assisting the State of Bihar and Jharkhand by providing SAI Training Centers at Patna, Kishanganj and Gidhaur in Bihar and Hazaribagh and Ranchi in Jharkhand along with a National Center of Excellence (NCOE) at Regional Center at Kolkata. Central Government provides assistance for training, participation, competitions and exposure abroad in different Sports discipline as finalized in Annual Calendar for Training & Competition (ACTC) in consultation with National Sports Federations (NSFs). Necessary arrangement such as lodging / boarding / supplementary nutrition / sports kits etc. are made for athletes during training.

(f) State wise budget allocation is not made under Khelo India scheme. Funds released by the Government for sports infrastructure and sports activities in all States/ Union Territories, including in Bihar under Khelo India Scheme during the last three years and in the current financial year is at Annexure – I.
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