Source: The post on National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is based on the article “Inviting Comments on Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024” published in “PIB” on 11th October 2024.
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public review and feedback. This bill is intended to enhance sports governance in India, incorporating ethical practices, athlete welfare, and institutional standards.
Objectives:
1. Promote Sports and Athlete Welfare: Establish frameworks for sports promotion and athlete welfare, while ensuring ethical practices in governance.
2. Institutional Capacity and Standards: Develop governance for sports federations aligned with global standards, Olympic principles, and ethical conduct.
3. Sports Dispute Resolution: Facilitate a unified and equitable system for resolving sports-related grievances and disputes.
Key Features
1. Sports Regulatory Board of India: Central regulatory body for recognition and oversight of National Sports Federations (NSFs). Autonomy and flexibility in governing sports, with no rigid formula for NSF recognition.
2. Governance Structure for Sports Bodies: Alignment of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSF structures with international standards. Executive Committees limited to 15 members, with leadership open to qualified Indian citizens. Full-time salaried management encouraged, headed by a CEO. Compliance with Olympic, Paralympic, and relevant International Federation regulations.
3. Ethical and Governance Standards: Mandatory ethical governance standards through Ethics and Dispute Resolution Commissions.Transparency, integrity, and fairness enforced in administrative processes. Compliance with international best practices critical for hosting global sports events.
4. Athletes Commissions: Formation of Athletes Commissions within the NOC, NPC, and all NSFs. It provides athletes a voice in decision-making and policy formulation. Government support includes funding for these commissions.
5. Athlete Representation: 10% of voting members in General Bodies to be elected athletes of outstanding merit (SOMs), with gender representation. SOMs will also hold seats in Executive Committees to ensure athlete perspectives.
6. Safe Sports Policy: A policy focused on athlete safety, especially for minors and women. It enforces the POSH Act, 2013, to prevent harassment and abuse in sports.
7. National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs): Guidelines for recognising and regulating NSPOs, strengthening the role of NGOs and private organizations in sports.
8. Appellate Sports Tribunal: It was dedicated tribunal for resolving sports disputes, reducing reliance on civil courts. Single-window system for faster, more cost-effective dispute resolution.
9. Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees: In cases of non-compliance or suspension, the Board can establish ad-hoc committees to temporarily administer federations.
10. Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Compliance: It emphasis on ethical conduct and anti-doping compliance, with severe penalties for violations. It requires all bodies to adhere to the IOC Code of Ethics and local laws.
11. Public Accountability and Transparency: NOC, NPC, and NSFs will be subject to RTI Act requirements, excluding performance and medical data.
12. Inclusivity and Gender Representation: Mandatory 30% female representation in governing bodies, promoting gender equality in sports.
13. Sports Election Panel: IOA, PCI, and NSFs will use a Sports Election Panel to conduct fair elections, led by experienced electoral officers.
14. Restrictions on National Symbols: Only recognized sports bodies may use the Indian flag or national insignia. Unauthorized use could result in penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of Rs 10 lakhs, or both.
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