ACHIEVEMENTS OF Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports IN A YEAR

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DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AFFAIRS

The primary function of the Department is to develop the personality and leadership qualities of the youth and to involve them in community service and nation-building activities. In this context, the major achievements of the Department have been as follows:

1. Youth Development and Empowerment:

There was significant increase in the youth development and empowerment efforts, undertaken through NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan), NSS (National Service Scheme) and RGNIYD (Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), in the year 2014-15 vis-à-vis 2013-14, as can be seen from the following:

S. No	Programme/ Activity	Unit of Measurement	Achievement
			2013-14	2014-15
1.	Training on Youth Leadership and Community Development	No. of Youth	98,584	1,00,745
2.	Skill Upgradation Training of youth club members of NYKS and Skill Training of NSS Volunteers	No. of Youth	1,39,955	1,39,684
3.	Training/ Capacity Building of youth and youth functionaries on various contemporary issues (through RGNIYD).	No. of Youth	6,704	9,437
4.	Awareness and Education Programmes on contemporary issues	No. of Youth	3,77,568	4,68,060
5.	Adventure Camps for promoting the spirit of adventurism	No. of Youth	1,404	4,803
6.	Life Skill Education Camps for development of adolescent youth	No. of Adolescents	—	5,840
7.	Awareness Programmes on Days of National and International Importance	No. of Youth	9,29,960	10,82,189
8.	Promoting National Perspective among youth through: §  National Youth Festival §  National Integration Camps §  NSS Mega Camps and North East Youth Festivals §  Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (for youth from LWE Districts)	No. of Youth	5,000 17,200 1,700 1,247	5,000 15,462 2,380 2,500
9.	Promoting International Perspective among youth through youth exchange programmes with China, South Korea, and other countries (youth exchange with Nepal started in April, 2015).	No. of Youth	132	133
10.	Youth-led Development Outreach Programme of RGNIYD through linkage with 250 colleges	No. of Youth	—	3,703

2. Community Service/ Nation-building:

About 11.5 million NYKS / NSS volunteers were involved in community service and various nation-building activities, creating very positive social impact. There was significant increase in the community service activities in 2014-15 vis-à-vis 2013-14, as can be seen from the following:

S. No	Programme/ Activity	Unit of Measurement	Achievement
			2013-14	2014-15
1.	Environment Conservation (Plantation of Saplings)	No. of Saplings (in Lakhs)	69.66	92.29
2.	Blood Donation	No. of Units (in Lakhs)	4.66	5.02
3.	Pulse Polio Immunisation by NSS volunteers	No. of children benefitted (lakhs)	3.71	19.41
4.	Formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs)	No. of SHGs	24,139	89,486
5.	Health Check-up Camps (DOTs, Hypertension, Diabetics and others)	No. of Camps	58,408	64,726

NYKS/ NSS volunteers have been very actively participating in Swachh Bharat Mission activities all over the country right from September, 2014. The volunteers participated in programmes for creating awareness on social issues/ against social evils, round the year. NYKS is implementing projects in Punjab for creating awareness on prevention of drug abuse and alcoholism and for prevention of female feticide. NYKS volunteers also participated in various other activities such as immunisation of pregnant mothers and children, facilitating institutionalised deliveries, motivating girls and their parents to postpone marriage of girls till attaining 18 years, camps for cataract operations, providing access of iron folic acid tablets to adolescent girls, facilitating enrolment of children in schools, facilitating issue of voter ID cards, etc.

3. Introduction of National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP):

The Government is focused on youth-led development. In order to enable youth to play key role in nation-building, it is important to develop leadership qualities among them. In this context, the Department launched a new Scheme, namely, ‘National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP)’ in December, 2014. The Scheme has the following 5 components, namely,

1. a) Neighbourhood Youth Parliament: To develop the platform of youth clubs of NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan) in the shape of vibrant ‘neighbourhood youth parliament’ to educate the youth club members about contemporary socio-economic development issues and to involve them in debate/ discussions on such issues.

1. b) Youth for Development Programme: To channelise the immense youth energy towards the nation-building, by involving them in Shramadaan (voluntary labour) on a large-scale all over the country.
2. c) National Young Leaders Awards: To motivate the youth to strive for excellence in their respective fields by recognising and rewarding the outstanding work done by them.

1. d) National Youth Advisory Council: To seek active involvement of the youth leaders as well as other stakeholders in the decision-making process on the youth related issues.

1. e) National Youth Development Fund:  To mobilise funds for youth development from non-Government sources like CSR funds.

The implementation of the Scheme started in last quarter of the financial year 2014-15. The full impact of the Scheme will be felt in financial year 2015-16 only, but the benefits of the Scheme have started flowing. During 2014-15, 3,750 Neighbourhood Youth Parliament (NYP) Programmes were organised at Block level, in which 3,00,000 members of NYK affiliated Youth Clubs participated. In these Programmes, the youth debated on important contemporary issues of significance to the community in general and youth in particular. The local administration and local bodies are actively involved in these programmes. The impact of these programmes is to actively involve the youth in governance process.  Steps have also been initiated for implementation of other components of the Programme as well.

4. Punarjagaran (Rejuvenation) Programme:

NYKS launched a year-long youth awakening programme called ‘Punarjagaran’ (Rejuvenation). The Programme was inaugurated on 02.10.2014 from 4 corners of India, namely, Leh (J&K) in North, Okha (Gujarat) in West, Kanya Kumari (Tamil Nadu) in South and Roing (Arunachal Pradesh) in the North East. The Programme will culminate at Mathura (UP), the birth place of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, on 25.09.2015, the birth centenary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.  The Project will cover 100 District on the 4 routes and in each District, 100 villages will be covered. Thus, 10,000 programmes will be organised in 10,000 villages of 100 Districts. Finally, on 25.09.2015, about 10,000 youth, representing all 100 Districts, will assemble at Mathura for a National Youth Convention.

The Programme is making significant impact on the ground level, in terms of spreading the message of harmony and brotherhood, creating awareness on various social issues and creating awareness about Government programmes and initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Andolan, etc.

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DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS

The role of the Department of Sports is to create the infrastructure and promote capacity building for broad-basing sports as well as for achieving excellence in various international and national competitive events.  The schemes being implemented by the Department are geared towards achieving these objectives. Keeping in line with the growing demands for advanced infrastructure, equipment and scientific supports, Department of Sports has taken several initiatives and is providing the necessary assistance to sportspersons by way of training and exposure in international competitions backed up with scientific and equipment support as well as cash incentives for boosting their morale.

INITIATIVES AND POLICIES UNDERTAKEN

1. ‘NSDF Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme’: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Department of Sports) have formulated ‘NSDF Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme’ in the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)  with the objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.  Focused disciplines will be Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting and Shooting.  The selected athletes will be provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support.  Benchmark for selection of athletes under the scheme will be in relation to international standards.  There will be annual/semi-annual review of performance of selected athletes.

Initially, National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) will provide funds for the operation of the scheme.  Partnership and involvement of Corporate Sector are expected for successful operation of the Scheme.

A Committee namely, ‘TOP Scheme Elite Athletes Identification Committee’ has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri Anurag Thakur, M.P. for laying down elaborate norms for selection of the right candidates, review of performance and operation of the scheme.  Shri Rahul Dravid, Shri Pullela Gopichand, Shri Abhinav Bindra and Ms MC Mary Kom are, among other members in the Committee.  The Committee, after detailed deliberations, has identified athletes in the following disciplines for assistance under the scheme:
(i)                 Athletics (19 athletes) (Athletes for 4×400 Women’s Relay Team and Race Walking Team are yet to be identified)
(ii)               Archery (16 archers) (yet to be identified)
(iii)             Badminton (6 Players)
(iv)             Boxing (8 boxers)
(v)               Shooting (17 shooters)
(vi)             Wrestling (7 wrestlers)
(vii)           Yachting (2 sailors)

Another Committee namely, ‘TOP Scheme Operating Committee’ has also been constituted for implementation of the scheme.  Training programmes/competition schedule of the selected persons are being finalized.  Other aspects like medical support, insurance cover etc. are also being addressed.

2. Setting up of Junior Sports Academies (JSA) and National Sports Academies (NSA)

For implementation of the announcement made in Finance Minister’s Budget Speech 2014-15 regarding setting up of national level Sports Academies for major games in different parts of the country to mainstream sports and setting up academies for junior and sub-junior level also, the Department of Sports is preparing a Scheme for setting up of Junior Sports Academies and National Sports Academies.

Salient features of the proposed academies are as under:
Junior Sports Academies

• Provide high quality coaching for sporting talent identified at Sub-junior and Junior levels in identified priority sports disciplines.
• Provide an organized and competitive environment by encouraging participation in different sports competitions.
• Create minimum bench strength in identified sports disciplines per annum to form a pool for talent identification for the National Sports Academies (High Performance Centres / Centres of Excellence) and also national camps.

National Sports Academies (NSA)

• Create minimum bench strength of 100-150 elite athletes @ minimum 10 sportspersons per event in any sports discipline.
• Provide opportunities for skill development of elite athletes in sports coaching for specific sports disciplines of different levels in collaboration/affiliation with respective National Sports Federations(NSFs)/International Sports Federations(ISFs).
• Utilise services of sporting idols / achievers to encourage increased participation in specific identified sports disciplines.
• Develop the club / league culture in specific identified sports disciplines in the country.

The Roadmap in this regard is as follows:

• The JSA in Athletics, Gymnastics and Swimming will be set up in 10 – 15 locations in the country with a total annual intake of about 1000 – 1500 athletes in the age group of 8 years pursuing class 1 – 3. There will be 100 – 110 athletes at each location.
• The JSA in other sports disciplines will be located in 3 – 7 locations with a total intake of 400 – 720 athletes per annum in the age group of 11 – 12 years pursuing Class VI.
• Induction in the Academies will be through a nationwide National Sports Talent Search mechanism involving a battery of tests at school, block, district and state level under National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS).
• The number of athletes inducted will be reduced on an average by about 10% per annum through rigorous annual testing as per standard criteria under respective sports disciplines.
• The annual filtration will start from the completion of 2nd / 3rd year in the JSA, depending on the sports discipline. At the same time, the shortfall will be met through lateral entry of suitable athletes selected through a detailed selection procedure.
• The total no. of athletes per JSA should be about 700 over a period of 7 years.
• In addition, about 100 elite athletes who have earned medals at state level but could not make it to NSA / National Camps are expected to be trained for periods varying from 1 – 3 months at each JSA.
• The total cost of setting up and running one JSA would be around Rs. 70.00 crores (non – recurring) and the recurring cost per annum will be Rs. 18.50 crores.
• The total cost of setting up and running one NSA would be around Rs. 70.00 Crores (non – recurring) and the recurring cost per annum will be Rs. 18.50 crores.

3. National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS)

A new Scheme National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) has been formulated. Scheme and Guidelines of new scheme have been communicated to State Governments/UTs on 20.2.2015. In the Budget 2014-15, a provision of Rs. 50 crore has been made for NSTSS.

Salient features of the Scheme are as under:

• Identification of Sporting Talent amongst children (both Boys and Girls) in the age group of 8-12 in Schools all over the country by conducting a battery of 6 tests at each selection level in each School of a block.

• 4 boys and 4 girls securing the total highest marks will be shortlisted from each school for block level tests.
• 16 boys and 16 girls securing the highest total marks in the Block level tests will be shortlisted for the District level tests.
• The total marks obtained in the District level tests by each of these 32 students per block will be compiled and a common merit list prepared.
• Out of this combined merit list, the top 1000 boys and 1000 girls from different districts securing the highest total marks will be shortlisted from each state.
• Admission in the State sports schools/Central Sports Schools/Junior Sports Academies/State Sports Academies/State Sports Hostels etc., and benefit under various other state sports schemes will be based on this list of boys and girls having sports talent/potential and identified through the NSTSS.
• Besides, high performing candidates of 8-12 age group in RGKA Rural Competitions will also be eligible for admission in the State Sports Schools etc., mentioned above.

4. National Sports University at Manipur

The proposal for setting up of National Sports University in Manipur was formally announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister in his Budget Speech 2014-15.  Location of the proposed University has been identified in Thoubal district of Manipur. Land acquisition has been started by the Government of Manipur. As per latest information, an area of 163 acres of land has already been taken over by the Government of Manipur and 47-49 acres will be taken over shortly.  However, handing over land for the proposed University will take some more time. Therefore, it is proposed to start the University at the Integrated Sports Complex at Khuman Lampak, Imphal, from the academic year 2015-16. Initially, it would be affiliated to the existing North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) of Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior. After the necessary infrastructure is created along with the engagement of Faculty, the National Sports University would be fully functional.

5. Special Package for Development of Sports Infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir

For implementation of the 2014-15 Budget announcement for upgrading the indoor and outdoor sports stadiums to international standards in Jammu and in the Kashmir Valley., the Department of Sports is working in consultation with the Sports Department of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

It has been decided to develop Sports Infrastructure in the States of Jammu & Kashmir with the following objectives:

• Creation of ultra-modern & high tech facilities in existing Stadia in Srinagar and Jammu.
• Maximum operational efficiency of each sports complex.
• Phasing of construction programmes.
• Efficient management of movement of spectators, dignitaries and players.
• Sports complex to be landmark and pride of the city.

A proposal has been submitted by the J & K Government for Rs. 200 crore with the following features:

Ø  Reconstruction of the entire existing stadia on international specification with RCC frame structure, ten lane athletic track, sports hostel for 500 inmates both at Srinagar and Jammu at an estimated cost of Rs. 70 crores each.
Ø  Upgradation of indoor stadium both at Srinagar & Jammu.
Ø  Creation of water sports centre at Manasbal, Srinagar at a cost of Rs. 2 crore.
Ø  Construction of multipurpose indoor sports halls at an estimated cost of Rs. 4 Crore each at 8 places in the State.
Ø  The Proposal involves an estimated expenditure of Rs. 100 crores each for Srinagar & Jammu region with a total cost of Rs. 200 crores.
The MOS (I/C), YAS has approved the proposal in principle subject to the possible change of project by new Government in J&K.  Draft SFC has been submitted for approval and subsequent appraisal.

6. Annual Sports event in the Himalayan Region

Finance Minister has in his Budget Speech for 2014-15 stated that “Unique sports traditions have developed in the Himalayan region countries and the states which are a part of it. To promote these, India will start an annual event to promote these games and would invite countries such as Nepal and Bhutan also to participate in addition to the Indian states such as J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the North Eastern States.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is proposing to implement the above announcement on priority basis. In this connection letters were sent to Secretaries of Youth Affairs & sports of the concerned States and to the counsellors in charge of Cultural Activities in the Embassies of Nepal and Bhutan requesting them to forward the names of traditional sports which are popular and played by the masses in their States/Countries and can be included in the proposed sports event.

It was decided to hold a meeting with the representatives from the Embassy of Nepal and Indian States in the Himalayan Region on 14.11.2014 at New Delhi to discuss and finalize the games for the Sports event in the Himalayan Region, structure of the sports event, modalities, venues etc. A draft concept paper was circulated in the above meeting to elicit their views. Each Country/State is expected to participate at least in two sports disciplines in competitions format and choose two indigenous games and martial arts for demonstration. The participants were requested to intimate the names of the sports disciplines in which they will participate in competition format and at-least two traditional games, which they will present in the demonstration format.

The representatives have given details of sports disciplines for competitions and names of the traditional games for demonstration.

The competitions are likely to be held in March annually.

Concept note has been approved by the MOS (I/C), YAS. The meeting of SFC was held and the SFC has appraised the proposal in consultation with the FA. Draft scheme for holding the above competitions have been prepared and submitted for approval by Competent Authority. Modalities for holding of the above festival were discussed with the Secretary (Sports) of Governments of Assam and Manipur and other officials Sport Authority of India on 19.01.2015. It was recommended by them that the competitions may be held annually sometimes in the month of October in Guwahati, Assam. For this purpose, a budget provision of Rs. Five Crore is being made. Scheme document has also been approved by MoS (I/C), YAS.

7. Revision of the Scheme of Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has revised the Scheme of Special Awards to medal winners in international events and their coaches on 29^th January 2015.  In the revised scheme, the amount of award money have been enhanced. The amount of award money for medal winners in Olympic Games (summer and winter) has been enhanced from existing Rs. 50 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 30 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 20 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 75 lakh, Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh respectively. The amount of award money for medal winners in Asian Games and  Commonwealth Games has been enhanced from existing Rs. 20 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 10 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 6 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 30 lakh, Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively.  In the category of the World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships, three  separate categories of award money  have been provided depending on whether the  championships is held once in  four years, once in two years or held annually.

Amount of award money for medalists of  Paralympic Games  (summer & winter), Para-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games (Para-Athletes) have been fixed at par with medalists of Olympic Games,  Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

IBSA World Championship of Blind, Deaflympics and Special Olympics (summer & winter) have been included in the  revised scheme of special awards.
Under the revised scheme, the number of days of training/coaching imparted by coaches to medal winners preceding the event to be taken into account for deciding eligibility of coaches for award money  have been reduced from existing 240 days to 180 days.

8. Formulation of selection criteria for sportspersons/teams for participation in international sports events

The Department of Sports has formulated the selection criteria for sportspersons/teams for participation in international sports events and circulated the same to IOA and NSFs on 10^th March 2015. It has been decided that for participation in  multi-disciplinary sports events such as Olympic Games,  Winter Olympics,  Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Indoor Games, Asian Beach Games, Youth Olympics,  Asian Youth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games, Paralympics and Para-Asian Games, the performance  of the sportspersons

1. i) In the individual events during the last twelve months prior to commencement of the event should not be less than the performance achieved by the 6^th position holder of the previous edition of the respective tournament in measurable sports.
2. ii) For team events, only those teams which have achieved ranking upto 8^th among participating countries of the concerned tournaments in the last one year should be considered for participation in the respective tournaments.

iii)    In non-measurable individual sports, the sportspersons must have achieved 6^th rank in the last 12 months. In the sports events, where rankings are not maintained or where sportspersons have not been able to improve their ranking on account of reasons like lack of exposure in international tournaments, appropriate criteria may be adopted by the National Sports Federation (NSF) in consultation with this Ministry. In the sports competitions, where the number of participants is limited, stricter norms of selection will be prescribed.
It has also been decided that only the sportspersons, coaches and support staff approved by the Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) will be part of the contingent for the events cleared at cost to the government and no additional sportspersons, coach and support staff will be included even at no cost to government in such sports competitions.

The selection criteria will be applicable for multi disciplinary international sports events irrespective of whether the participation of Indian contingent has been cleared at cost to the Government or at no cost to the Government.

IOA has been asked to formulate guidelines for inclusion of support personnel such as coaches, physiotherapists, doctors, masseurs, managers and contingent officials. IOA and SAI should ensure that only those support  personnel are considered for Indian contingents who have worked with the sportspersons in camps or have the necessary credentials and experience and are eligible as per the rules and guidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)/Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)/Organizing Committees of the Games/respective International Federations.

1. OUTCOMES AND CONSEQUENTIAL PROGRESS BENEFITTING THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF SOCIETY
2. National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) : Identification of talented sportspersons in the age group of 8 – 12 years in schools all over the country through a battery of tests and nurturing of identified talented sportspersons in sports schools will help broaden the pool of sportspersons in the country.

2. Revision of the Scheme of Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches: Enhancement in amount of award money for medal winners in Olympic Games (summer and winter) from existing Rs. 50 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 30 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 20 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 75 lakh, Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh respectively, for medal winners in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games from existing Rs. 20 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 10 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 6 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 30 lakh, Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively.

• Amount of award money for medalists of Paralympic Games (summer & winter), Para-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games (Para-Athletes) has been fixed at par with medalists of Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
• IBSA World Championship of Blind, Deaflympics and Special Olympics (summer & winter) have been included in the revised scheme of special awards.

3. Identification of 45 elite athletes in the discipline of athletics, archery, badminton, boxing, shooting, wrestling and yachting and 30 more elite athletes to be identified, for their customised training at institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support in order to maximise the medal prospects of India at Rio Olympics 2016 and Tokyo Olympics 2020.

4. Training support for Elite Athletes by enhancement of Diet and Food Supplement Charges

Enhancements in Diet and Food Supplements to the National Campers preparing for the various international tournaments for better preparation and training of Indian sportspersons and teams for their improved performance in international sports competitions upto Asian games, 2014.

(III)     BENEFITS TO STATES AND TAKEAWAYS OF SCHEMES

1. Special Package for Development of Sports Infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir will result in creation / upgradation of sports infrastructure and facilities for enhancement of sports facilities in Jammu & Kashmir.

2. Annual Sports event in the Himalayan Region will provide one more opportunity to the youth from Nepal and Bhutan, and the Indian states such as J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the North Eastern States for participation in Annual Sports Event to be held every year.

3. Setting up National Sports University at Manipur will result in giving an opportunity for educated youth of country in general and of North Eastern States in particular for pursuing courses such as B.PEd, MPEd, Diploma / certificate courses in coaching, physiotherapy, fitness, sports management, sports journalism, etc.

4. National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS): Under this Scheme talented boys and girls in age group of 8 – 12 years will be identified from all States / Uts of the country and they will be trained in sports schools across the country.