(a) whether the Government proposes to organize Paralympic Games in India;
(b) if so, the names of various sports to be included in the proposed Paralympic Games; and
(c) the details of schemes/programmes being implemented by the Government to encourage the participation of physically challenged persons in various sports?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)
(a) & (b) Madam, promotion and development of sports including organizing various sports and games is the responsibility of National Sports Federations (NSFs). The Ministry only supplements the efforts of the NSFs by providing financial assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme.
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has been recognized by the Government as National Sports Federation for promotion and development of para-sports in the country. This Ministry has not received any proposal from PCI for organizing Paralympic games in India
(c) Under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations, financial assistance for conducting National Championships and international tournaments in India, participation in international tournament abroad, organizing coaching camps, procuring sports equipments etc. is given to the NSFs including PCI. During the last three years, the following amount has been spent from the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations for various activities of para athletes:-
Year Amount (Rs. in Lakhs)
2013-14 143.40
2014-15 197.72
2015-16 278.51 (provisional)
2016-17 259.52 (upto October, 2016)
Under the Scheme of Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches, cash awards are given to athletes and coaches. Amount of award money for medalists of Paralympic Games, Para-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games for Para-Athletes have been fixed at par with medalist of Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth games
Under the Scheme of Sports and Games for persons with Disabilities, assistance is given for organizing competitions and for training community coaches.