The Sports Ministry amends the National Sports Government Bill in great relief to BCCI – how is here. More sports news
The Sports Ministry has amended the provision related to RTI in the National Sports Government Bill, which was kept in the Lok Sabha on 23 July. The amendment specifies that only government grant -receiving sports organizations and assistance will fall under RTI’s purse, which provides relief to the BCCI, which has been historically opposed historically due to RTI inclusion due to financial freedom.Section 15 (2) of the original bill said that “a recognized sports organization will be considered as a public authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in relation to the practice of its actions, duties and powers under this Act.”Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The amended section now provides clarity on the formation of a public authority. A source close to development explained: “The revised section defines the public authority as a unit that depends on government money or aid. With this amendment, there is a clear definition of a public authority. ,The source said more in detail: “If this was not done, it would be a gray area that could have been conducted or challenged in court. So anything that includes public funds would come under RTI. It defines the nuances.”The source also said: “And even if a National Sports Body is not taking government money, it can still be questioned whether any type of government assistance is involved in the conduct or operation of its events. Because the government’s help is not only money, it is also about the infrastructure.”BCCI will need to register as a National Sports Federation once the law is enacted, as cricket is included in the 2028 Olympics in the T20 format.The bill introduces a National Sports Board to establish accountability measures. All national sports associations should get NSB recognition to achieve the funding of the Central Government.An important feature is the National Sports Tribunal, which will have the powers of the civil court to resolve the selections related to the feds and athletes and resolve disputes about election matters. Appeal against tribunal decisions can only be made in the Supreme Court.This bill relaxes age restrictions for administrators, allowing international bodies to contest elections between 70 to 75 years if allowed by rules. This is different from the age limit of 70 years of the current National Sports Code.The objectives of the bill: “… as a part of the initial activities for the bid of the Summer Olympic Games 2036, it is necessary that the sports regime goes through a positive change to bring better results in major international competitions, sports excellence and AIDS.”The National Sports Board will be headed by a chairman, “with the members appointed by the Central Government among the people of capacity, integrity and standing.A search-cum-selection committee will recommend appointments. The committee will consist of the Cabinet Secretary or Sports Secretary, which will be included with the Chairman, the Sports Authority of the Director General of India, with two experienced sports administrators and a reputed player with a driving, Khel Ratna or Arjuna Award.NSB can recognize national bodies that fail to conduct the elections of the Executive Committee or make serious electoral irregularities.Organizations that do not publish annual audit accounts or misuse public funds can face NSB action, although such decisions require consultation with relevant global body before such decisions.The RTI Act defines public authorities as institutions formed by the Parliament or the State Legislature, including the government ownership, controlled or adequately funded bodies. The revised sports bill aligns with this definition.
