(a) whether the Union Government has any plans to encourage water sports in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Kerala has requested for assistance for boat races including Nehru Trophy boat race at Alleppey; and
(d) if so, the details of thereof and the response of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION, YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS AND OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES)
(a) Government of India is implementing a Scheme for Promotion of Adventure to encourage young people to undertake various adventure activities on land, air and water in the country.
(b) Under the Scheme of Promotion of Adventure, financial assistance is provided to State Governments, Educational Institutions, Nehru Yuva Kendras, National Service Scheme, Non-Governmental Organisations and group of individuals for undertaking adventure activities in the country.
Water adventure activities for which assistance is provided are long distance swimming, surfing, boat sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, power boating and long distance motor boating, kayaking, canoeing etc. in India. The beneficiaries under the scheme are within the age-group of 13-35 years.
(c) The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has not received any proposal from Government of Kerala for boat race at Alleppey during this financial year.
(d) Does not arise.