Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 30: Demonstrating his unwavering commitment towards public welfare and a future-ready Jammu & Kashmir, BJP Jammu & Kashmir president and Rajya Sabha Member, Sat Sharma, CA, forcefully raised key issues related to the promotion of sports and youth development in the Union Territory during the ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha.
Through an unstarred question, Sat Sharma sought detailed information from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports regarding the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) for water sports, expansion of Khelo India Centres (KICs), and allocation as well as utilization of funds for sports promotion in Jammu & Kashmir.
Replying on behalf of the Government of India, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya provided a comprehensive account of the steps taken under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, reflecting the Government’s strong resolve to nurture sporting talent in the Union Territory.
The Minister informed the House that while there is presently no proposal for establishing a National Centre of Excellence for water sports in J&K, the Government has taken special and unprecedented measures to promote sports at the grassroot level through the Khelo India Scheme.
As a special dispensation for Jammu & Kashmir, the Ministry has notified five Khelo India Centres per district, resulting in the establishment of 100 Khelo India Centres across all 20 districts of the UT. These centres cater to a wide range of disciplines including football, hockey, wrestling, boxing, badminton, volleyball, athletics, martial arts and indigenous sports, ensuring inclusive access to modern sports infrastructure for youth from both urban and remote areas.
The Minister further apprised that although funds are allocated scheme-wise and not State-wise, substantial expenditure has been incurred under the Khelo India Scheme and National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). During 2023-24, Rs 872.20 crore was utilised under Khelo India and Rs150.18 crore under NSDF, while in 2024-25, Rs620.75 crore and Rs 101.51 crore were spent respectively, including expenditure benefiting Jammu & Kashmir
Follow our WhatsApp channel
