Sports Ministry appeals to CIC to bring BCCI under RTI

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The Sports Ministry is pinning its hope on the Central Information Commission to bring the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) under the purview of the Right To Information Act.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken said he has appealed to the CIC to bring BCCI under RTI for varied reasons.

"We have appealed to the CIC (to bring BCCI under RTI). Our appeal is based on a number of valid reasons," he told reporters after unveiling the Draft National Youth Policy here on Thursday.

"The first reason why the BCCI should come under RTI is that the lands on which the state federations have built their stadiums and other facilities have been provided by the state governments.

"Moreover, from 1996 to 2006, the government has given a tax exemption of Rs 365 crore to the BCCI," he said.

"And the most important thing is that the biggest public function they are performing is by selecting the team for India. Any team or institution which plays under the Indian flag should come under RTI," Maken added.

The proposed National Sports Bill, which was prepared after receiving comments and suggestions from various stakeholders and the public, seeks to have BCCI as National Sports Federation (NSF) and wants it to function as a public authority and comply with the requirements specified in the RTI Act.

If the BCCI becomes an NSF, it would be bound to provide information under the RTI and would also be forced to follow the anti-doping rules as specified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

These proposals of the Bill have been vehemently opposed by the BCCI and some other sports bodies, including the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which want to continue functioning in an autonomous manner, free from public scrutiny and accountability.