(a) whether the Government is planning to establish a sports university, stadium, sports academy complying with current international standards in the country including Kerala and Tamil Nadu;
(b) If so, the details thereof, sports-wise and if not the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has communicated its intention in this regard to the State Governments;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether any funds have been earmarked for the said purpose; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore (Retd.))
(a) to (d): The Government of India has decided to set up National Sports University in Manipur and the National Sports University Bill, 2017, has already been introduced in the Lok Sabha. This will be the first full-fledged Sports University in India conforming to international standards. At present, the Government of India has no plan to set up similar Universities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The National Sports University Bill provides, inter-alia, that the University shall have the powers and functions to establish and maintain, with prior approval of the Central Government, such outlying campuses, regional centers, specialized laboratories or other units for research instruction and training as are, in the opinion of the University, necessary for furtherance of its objects.
The proposals for setting up outlying campuses and regional centers etc of the National Sports University will be examined as and when proposals are received from State Governments including those from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
(e) & (f): As per advice of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports can sanction Rs. 50 crore for Pre-investment activities. The Ministry has already released Rs.18.75 crore to Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited (HSCL) project management consultant engaged for setting up National Sports University in Manipur.
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