Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed concerns about the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) staffing and funding issues. Over 1,000 positions remain unfilled, as highlighted by a Parliamentary Standing Committee report.
The report described SAI as critically under-funded and under-staffed. Mandaviya responded to Congress MP Adoor Prakash's query in Lok Sabha, confirming the government's awareness of these issues.
The committee's report, released in August, noted that approximately 45% of sanctioned positions in SAI are vacant. This shortfall is currently managed through temporary appointments, which the committee deemed an inadequate solution. The panel, including members like cricketer Harbhajan Singh and BJP MPs Sambit Patra and Bansuri
Swaraj, expressed serious concern over these staffing and funding shortages.
Recruitment Drive and Budget Allocation
The recruitment process for some positions has already begun, according to Mandaviya. The committee praised this initiative but urged the Sports Ministry to complete the hiring within six months and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR). The government allocated Rs 3,794 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in its annual budget this year, with Rs 830 crore designated for SAI.
Budget allocations for SAI are based on their submitted proposals for each financial year. Additional needs arising during the year are reviewed at the Revised Estimates (RE) stage. Supplementary grants may be considered if necessary, as explained by the minister in Lok Sabha.
Addressing Sexual Harassment Concerns
In response to another question about sexual harassment complaints from athletes, Mandaviya stated that no consolidated database exists for such records. However, he outlined measures to ensure a safe environment in sports. SAI operates a 24x7 helpline for athletes, and National Sports Federations must include women coaches in contingents with female athletes during camps and competitions.
The federations have also been instructed to increase the number of women coaches and support staff in training camps. These steps aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for female athletes across various sports disciplines.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on sports convened on June 6 this year to discuss these issues with the Sports Secretary and SAI representatives. The committee's recommendations reflect ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages and improve funding for SAI.
With inputs from PTI
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176519465592818122.webp)
