Anti-doping Bill introduced in LS

What is the news?

The Government of India has introduced the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021 in Rajya Sabha.

What are the key provisions of the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021?

Statutory Backing for NADA: The Bill seeks to provide a statutory framework for the functioning of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). It also empowers it to conduct raids, investigate, levy sanctions or Anti-Doping Rule Violations. Earlier, NADA had no such authority.

Establishment of Doping Laboratories: The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL)  and other dope testing laboratories. 

National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports: The Bill seeks to establish a National Board for Anti-Doping in Sport. It will consist of a chairperson and two other members to be appointed by the central government. This Board will constitute a National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and Anti-Doping Appeal Panel for the purpose of determining the consequences of anti-doping rule violations.

Auditing by CAG: The Bill says that the accounts and audit of the Board, NADA and the NDTL will be done by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Anti Doping Violation: The Bill lays down the circumstances, acts or conduct which will constitute an anti-doping violation. This includes possession, presence, use or attempted use, trafficking or attempted trafficking of any prohibited substance or prohibited methods or refusing to submit a sample.

Source: This post is based on the article “Anti-doping Bill introduced in LS” published in Indian Express on 18^th Dec 2021.