465. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR:
Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:-

1. Whether Government proposes to enact a new sports law aimed at addressing the ills and politicization of the various sports bodies of the country; and
2.  If so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

1. Yes, Sir.
2. In  order  to  bring  transparency  and  accountability  in  the  functioning  of  the National   Sports Federations and Indian Olympic Association, Government has formulated a regulatory framework with the objective of promoting good governance among sports bodies. The Draft of the National Sports Bill has been placed in b:e public domain for pre-legislative stakeholders consultations, the salient features of 'which are as under:

1. Central Government support for development and promotion of sports including financial and other support for preparation of National teams, athletes' welfare measures  and  promoting  ethical  practices  in  sports  including  elimination  of doping practices, fraud in age and sexual harassment in sports, Rights and obligations of the Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations (including adoption of basic universal principles of good governance and professional management of sports).
2. (ii) Participation of athletes in the management/decision making of the concerned National Sports Federation and the Indian Olympic Association through the Athletes Advisory Council.
3. Duties and responsibilities of the Sports Authority of India and the Government of India, which have been clearly defined.
4. Mechanism   for sports dispute settlement and establishment   of a Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.
5. Greater  autonomy  to  National  Sports  Federations  and  dilution  of  control  of Government over the National Sports Federations.
6. Bring National Sports Federations under Right to Information Act, 2005 with certain exclusion clauses for protecting personal/confidential information relating to athletes.
7. Specific provision has been inserted in  the anti-doping  clause  to exclude  the administering by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) of those provisions of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) Code to which the International Federation of the Sport is not subject.
8.  A  duty  has  been  enjoined  upon  the  coaches,  guardians  and  other support personnel to prevent unethical practices in sports such as doping and fraud of age.
9. Specific  provisions   have  also    been  made  to  ensure   that  National   Sports Federation, the National Olympic Committee, the Sports Authority of India adopt or undertake measures not only to prohibit sexual harassment at workplace for sports but also provide appropriate conditions for women in respect of work, leisure, health and hygiene.  Other measures have been provided for setting up a complaint mechanism for redressal of complaints with a committee headed by a woman, or a special counselor, whilst adhering to the principle of confidentiality.