1. Introduction
Sports and games have been widely recognised as an essential ingredient of Human Resource Development. The Government of India attaches considerable importance to development of sports in general and achieving excellence in the Olympics and other international events in particular. Performance of Indian team in important International Sports events has, however, remained for from satisfactory, which is a matter of serious concern for the Government. It has been the endeavor of the Government to streamline the procedures for effective coordination among various agencies involved in promotion of sports and extend required infrastructure, training and other facilities to the sportspersons for achieving excellence in the international events in the coming years.
1.2 Over the years a number of National Sports Federations (NSFs) have come up for development of specific games/sports disciplines. The Government of India in achieving their objectives has actively supported these Federations. Existing Guidelines for assisting National Sports Federations had been reviewed and revised based on the experience of our preparation for Asian Games, 1994 and Olympic Games, 1996 as well as recommendations of the Committees set up for promotion of sports. The revised Guidelines were given effect from 10th July, 1997.
Keeping in view the discussions held with IOA and National Sports Federations some provision of these Guidelines have again been amended.
13 These Guidelines mark an important departure from the approach followed in the past. The major innovations and changes included in these Guidelines are
A clear demarcation and identification of the role and responsibility of the agencies involved in sports development and promotion.
Clearly defined criterion for determining priority categories for Government assistance.
A discipline specific project approach to be adopted in processing cases for financial assistance.
Detailed guidelines for preparation of Long Term Development Plans laid. Provision made for annual sanctions of development plans. Also greater flexibility in meeting the specific requirements of Federations.
Binding tripartite agreements between NSFs, the Ministry and the SAI to be drawn up.
An emphasis on professionalising and upgrading the administrative and financial management of Federations.
An emphasis on systems to handle players grievances.
The appointment of registered chartered accountants to ensure maintenance of proper and transparent accounts.
Recognition of the role of sports promoters, particularly in event management.
The flow of funds to Federations will also include a substantial portion of the funds of other major schemes apart from Grants to National Federations.
1.4 In short, these guidelines propose to replace the present approach with annual sanctions against an agreed programme for the development and promotion of each sport according to its unique requirements. This, in turn, requires significant improvements in the internal management practices of Federations. An important perspective in this exercise is to help Federations attain financial self sufficiency over a period of time thereby reducing their dependence on the Government.
Other Important Links:
»Objective of the Guidelines
»Role and Responsibility of the Ministry of Youth affairs & Sports, National Sports Federations and the SAI
»Priority Sports
»Recognition of National Sports Federation
»Conditions for Eligibility
»flow-funds
»Grants to National Federations
»Clubbing and Dovetailing of Schemes of SAI and the Ministry
»Selection Procedure
»Long Term Development Plans
»Miscellaneous
