The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that Central assistance provided for construction of sports infrastructure by the Government has not been discontinued. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is implementing the following schemes for creation of sports infrastructure in the country:
i. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA) [formerly Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA): Funds are granted to the Governments of States/Union Territories for construction of a sports complex in each block of the country for both indoor and outdoor disciplines.
ii. Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS) : 100% financial assistance, subject to stipulated ceilings are provided to State Governments, Local Civic Bodies, School, Colleges and Universities under Central/State Governments, and Sports Control Boards for development of Synthetic playing surface (for Hockey, and Athletics) and for Multipurpose Indoor Hall.
Shri Sonowal said, all the approved works have been completed. The reasons for the slow pace is on the part of construction agency i.e. CPWD.
He said, the services of National Institute for Sports (NIS) trained SAI coaches were being provided to Central and States schemes. Due to shortage of coaches and to strengthen its own Sports Promotional Schemes, SAI coaches are no more being posted outside SAI schemes, including State Schemes. However some of the SAI coaches who are still posted in State schemes are being withdrawn as per SAI requirement from time to time.