MP Kartikeya Sharma on Thursday raised an important question in the Rajya Sabha directed to the Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports. The query sought information about the expenditure incurred by the Ministry in enhancing sports facilities, state-wise infrastructure, and support for athletes.
Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur provided a written response stating that the Ministry has actively invested in sports infrastructure across the country, including Haryana. The initiatives include:
Khelo India: A national programme for sports development.
Assistance to National Sports Federations
Special Awards to winners in international sports events and their coach.
National Sports Awards: Honoring excellence in sports at the national level.
Pension to meritorious sportspersons and providing pensions to outstanding athletes.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Sports Welfare Scheme
National Sports Development Fund: Supporting the development of sports.
The Minister went on to say that details of the above schemes are available in the public domain on the websites of this Ministry and the Sports Authority of India. Additionally, the response includes details of funds allocated and spent by the Ministry over the last five years for sports promotion, infrastructure development, and athlete support.