Min wants National Sports Bill debated
New Delhi: Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Tuesday said the government plans to open a debate in the Parliament on a proposed National Sports Bill, which would require sports federations to have a ‘fair and transparent’ election process and limited age and tenure for their office bearers.
Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, Maken said the draft of the bill, which also talks of the participation of athletes in the decision-making process, has already been posted on the Sports Ministry's website.
"I wish to make a suo-moto statement in this august House on the intent of the Government to initiate a national debate on the need to have legislation for the development of sports at the national level and to deal with all matters connected therewith," he said.
Maken said the draft remains true to ‘the core principles enunciated in the 'Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance' proposed by the International Olympic Committee and endorsed by the XIII Olympic Congress.’
"These include fair and transparent election process; age and tenure limit in respect of office bearers; and participation of athletes in the decision-making process," Maken said.
Maken said the anti-doping regulations in the country would remain World Anti-Doping Agency compliant.
"Anti-Doping regulations compliant with WADA Code to be given legislative backing. As a signatory to the UNESCO convention, India has shown highest commitment to movement against doping. It is a member of the WADA and has constituted its own National anti Doping Agency (NADA) on the lines of WADA," he said.
Maken said there would be provisions to deal with cases of sexual harrassment as well "following the guidelines enunciated by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the Vishakha judgement."
The Minister promised "foolproof guidelines for detection and prevention of age fraud in sports. Effective and speedy resolution of sport-related disputes, including redressal of athletes' grievances, through conciliation and mediation process by appointing a National Sports Ombudsman."
Maken said such a legislation is necessary to make sports administration cleaner in the country.
"I wish to inform the august House of this proposal and seek their support and cooperation in furthering this initiative," he said.
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