LS approves first sports varsity
Varsity to be set up in Manipur at a cost of ` 524 cr
The Lok Sabha on Friday passed a bill to facilitate the establishment of nation’s first full- fledged sports university, which would be set up in Manipur at a cost of ` 524 crore.
Sports and youth affairs minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore informed the Lower House that the varsity will mainly focus on promoting sports coaching, sports sciences, sports technology and sports management.
The National Sports University Bill, 2018, which seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated on May 31, was passed by voice vote in Lok Sabha. Once passed by the Rajya Sabha, it will lead to the setting up of the university, which would also function as the national training centre for select sports disciplines by adopting the best international practices.
A sportsperson will be the university vice- chancellor, while its academic council will also comprise sports personalities, Mr Rathore said while replying to the debate on the legislation.
Mr Rathore also noted that the Central government will have full authority and control over the institution which, therefore, would not be autonomous.
Addressing concerns raised by members during the debate on various aspects such as payment of coaches and stipends for sportspersons, the sports and youth affairs minister said all medal winners in the country were funded from the National Sports Development Fund in which all citizens can contribute money.
He said the government provided stipends to sportspersons, besides a variety of monthly allowances to them for food and other expenses. The minister added that the government has also increased the salary of coaches.
Several members during the discussion also sought the inclusion of sports as part of a comprehensive education curriculum.
The legislation was earlier introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2017, but could not be passed. Hence, the government had to come out with an ordinance, Mr Rathore said.
Among other things, the legislation also proposes to empower the university to establish ‘ Outlying Campuses’ throughout the country and also outside India.
In order to make the university a world- class institution, the government has signed an agreement with two Australian universities — University of Canberra and Victoria University — for development of curriculum, research facilities and laboratories, among other things.