(a) whether the Union Government will take necessary steps to amend the existing rules to grant cash incentives to those talented sportspersons who play in school level, university level, district level and State level to buy the requisite sports materials like sport shoes, track suits, nutritious food etc. before the games instead of granting them after winning medal in national and international level;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reason therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[SHRI KIREN RIJIJU]
(a) to (c): There is no such proposal in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. However, the scheme of PanditDeendayalUpadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons has been amended on 15.05.2020 vide which a new provision has been included for giving financial assistance to sportspersons for training, procurement of equipments and participation in national and international sports events in which maximum amount of Rs. 2.5 lakh may be given under the scheme.
Sportspersons belonging to those sports disciplines whose Federations are either de-recognized or whose recognition has been suspended by the Government or the Federations who has so far not got the recognition of the Government, are also eligible for assistance. For availing assistance under this Scheme, the Sportsperson’s parents should be living under indigent circumstances.
After amendment of the scheme, the sportspersons who were given financial assistance for training, procurement of equipments and participation in national and international sports events is enclosed at Annexure I.
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