Question : Target Olympic Podium Scheme

(a) the details of the funds spent by the Government on the training of sportspersons under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) during the last two years and the current year;
(b) the number of the sportspersons benefitted under the scheme during the said period;
(c) the criteria adopted for selection of beneficiaries under the scheme;
(d) the details of funds earmarked by the Government under the scheme for the forthcoming sports competitions;
(e) whether the Government has received any complaints of alleged irregularities under the scheme; and
(f) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken/being taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)
(a) The details of the funds spent by the Government on the training of sportspersons under the Scheme of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) during the last two years and the current year are as under:-
Year
Assistance released under TOP Scheme.
Assistance released (in Rupees)
<pre>2014-2015
Directly released by NSDF.
10,88,914
2015-2016
Directly released by NSDF.
8,06,06,267
2016-2017
Directly released by NSDF.
4,72,15,099
Funds released by SAI.
18,06,55,636
Total
30,95,65,916</pre>
(b) 189 sportspersons have been benefited under the scheme during last two year and current year.
(c) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports constituted a Committee namely ‘NSDF TOP Scheme Elite Identification Committee’ in July 2014. The Committee, after elaborate consultation with the representatives of the National Sports Federations, National Coaches of different sports disciplines and other experts, laid down the norms for selection of the candidates under the programme and identified/selected potential athletes from time to time for support under the TOP Scheme for preparing them for Olympics/Paralympics 2016.
These athletes were identified through a process of research and in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. Benchmark for selection of these athletes under the scheme was their performance in relation to the international standard. The selection was not just on the basis of reputation, national rank, performance in Commonwealth and Asian Games only, but also on their current performance, consistency, fitness and the laid down bench mark.
(d) There is no specific budgetary allocation for Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme. However, funds earmarked under the Scheme of NSDF as Government share has been kept as Rs.5.00 crore during the year 2016-17, which has already been released for NSDF.
(e) No, Madam.
(f) In view of (e) above, does not arise.
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