Government is fully committed and working hard to provide top-class sports facilities at every corner of the country: Raksha Khadse

     

India is no longer lagging in any sector, and especially in sports sector we want to do more work in the coming days. The government is committed to bringing Indian sports to the forefront.We have ‘Khelo India’ program for school going children but as we know, Sports is a state subject, and central Government is in the process of collecting data from the State Governments about the availability of sports infrastructure and other sports facilities in the schools. Once the data is available, we will work further towards the development of sports culture in the schools– Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports

 

 Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: The Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, has said that the Government is fully committed and working hard to provide top-class sports facilities at every corner of the country.

The young and dynamic 3rd term MP from Raver, Maharashtra, Smt. Khadse deliberated on various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India for the youth. Additionally, she reviewed multiple facets of the sports sector also.

 

When asked, does Sports Ministry is aware about the fact that sports facilities is not provided to the students in most of the schools? Smt. Khadse said, ” We have ‘Khelo India’ program for school going children but as we know, Sports is a state subject, and central Government is in the process of collecting data from the State Governments about the availability of sports infrastructure and other sports facilities in the schools. Once the data is available, we will work further towards the development of sports culture in the schools.”

She informed that, ‘KIRTI’, Khelo India Rising Talent Identification program, has made significant strides in identifying young sports talent across India.
She said, ” Two phases of the program have been completed, utilizing modern technology and best practices. Over 1.8 lakh assessments have been conducted nationwide to identify school-going children between the ages of 9 and 18, ensuring a seamless and efficient talent identification system.”

On India’s bid for the summer Olympics 2036, amid ongoing tussle within the Indian Olympic Association, Smt. Khadse said, “The government is trying its best to resolve the differences in the Indian Olympic Association in order to ensure a strong and successful bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. It will be good for Indian sports to organize a big sporting event. I think everyone is trying to work together and we are trying our best to resolve the issues of IOA so that our target of hosting a big event in India is fulfilled”
“We need to take this bid forward on a positive note. If we get the hosting rights, then definitely it will a proud moment for India. It takes a lot of time for the (Olympic bid) procedure to be complete. The final decision is with the IOC. We have put forward our bid through the National Olympic Committee, which is the IOA. It’s a start, we have taken a step forward. We are trying because the Olympics is big platform,” she said.

Smt. Khadse, said with full confidence, “India is no longer lagging in any sector, and especially in sports sector we want to do more work in the coming days. The government is committed to bringing Indian sports to the forefront. ”

Khadse stressed on the importance of ‘Khelo India’ and justified a budget hike from Rs 596 crore to Rs 900 crore for the programme. She said “In every district, there is a Khelo India centre. We are seeing the output of these centres. A prime example is the athletes winning medals for the country at the Paris Olympics, many of whom are from Khelo India centres.We are seeing the benefit of the budget increase. We are trying to provide them with all facilities at these centres.”

Smt. Raksha Khadse informed that Sports Ministry is also promoting women’s sports with ‘ASMITA’, Women’s Leagues, “The ‘ASMITA’, Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women through Action, Women’s Leagues have been conducted across 20 sport disciplines throughout the country, focusing on engaging women athletes from even the smallest towns and villages. With 766 competitions held so far, 83,763 women athletes have participated in the initiative, further strengthening India’s commitment to empowering women in sports.”

When asked if, Sports Ministry has any plan to provide sports facilities, at SAI centres, to the private persons? Smt. Khadse said, “We have no such plans.”
“Government has started RESET program that empowers retired athletes with new skills for career transition.
Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme was launched on 29th August 2024 with the goal of empowering retired athletes. The program equips retired sportspersons with the necessary knowledge and skills, making them more employable in various career sectors. A total of 30 trainees from 14 States/UTs across 18 disciplines have successfully completed the training so far, ” she said.

Smt. Khadse said “Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has taken many initiatives to develop leadership qualities in the Youth.”

She said, “India has witnessed unprecedented progress in youth empowerment since 2014, focusing on key areas such as employment generation, support for MSMEs, promotion of startups, formalization of the economy, encouragement of research and development, skill enhancement, and fostering sports excellence and fitness.”
She further said, “These initiatives align with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and “Aatmnirbhar Bharat,” paving the way for a developed India by 2047.”

Key Highlights:

1. Youth Development Priorities:

The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated ₹3,442.32 crore for skill development,

internships, and employment generation, marking a threefold increase from ₹1,219
crore in 2013-14.

National Youth Policy 2014 provides a robust framework to maximize youth potential by 2030.

2. Employment and Skill Development:

Unemployment rate reduced to 3.2% in 2023-24.

Initiatives like PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna) and DDU-GKY

(Deen Dayal Updhyay Gramin Kaushal Yojna) have trained millions, with
significant employment outcomes.

EPFO achieved record growth in July 2024 by adding 19.94 lakh net members.

The highest growth was observed in the 18-25 age group, with 8.77 lakh net
additions in July 2024. This marks the largest increase for this demographic since records began and reflects the continued trend of young people, mostly first-time job seekers, entering the organized workforce

Around 3.05 lakh new female members joined EPFO in July 2024, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 10.94%.

Maharashtra led among the States/UTs, contributing 20.21% of the total new members.

3. Economic and Startup Growth:

India now hosts 1.4 lakh recognized startups and 117 unicorns, making it the
world’s third-largest startup hub.

Schemes like PMMY (Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna) and Stand-Up India have empowered entrepreneurs, especially women and marginalized communities.

4. Sports and Fitness:

Record-breaking performance at the 2024 Asian Games with 107 medals (with 28 gold).

Enhanced investment in Khelo India and TOPS programs contributed to Olympic(6 medals) and Paralympic (29 medals) success.

Khelo India Budget increased from 596 crore to 900 crore.

5. Women Empowerment:

Initiatives like the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam and Sukanya Samruddhi Yojanau nderscores the government’s commitment to gender equality.

India’s strides in youth-centric policies and initiatives highlight its commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive ecosystem, ensuring every young Indian contributes to nation-building.