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National Sports Board Gains Extensive Powers Despite Name Change In New Bill
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The Sports Governance Bill proposes a National Sports Board to oversee federations, plus a Sports Election Panel and Tribunal.
The upcoming Sports Governance Bill, although shedding the term 'regulatory," is set to establish a National Sports Board fully appointed by the central government. This board will have extensive powers to suspend recognition of federations based on complaints or 'its own motion" for violations such as electoral irregularities and financial misappropriation.
The bill, scheduled for discussion in Parliament during the monsoon session starting Monday, makes a compromise on the contentious issue of age limits for administrators. It allows those aged between 70 and 75 to contest elections if their respective international bodies do not object.
The proposed National Sports Board (NSB) aims to create a rigorous system of accountability, likely diminishing the influence of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which has been plagued by factionalism and infighting.
The NSB will consist of a chairperson and members appointed by the central government from 'amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing." These individuals are expected to have 'special knowledge or practical experience in public administration, sports governance, sports law, and related fields."
As indicated in the draft released last year, the Board will have the authority to grant recognition to National Sports Federations and establish ad-hoc panels to manage individual sports if an NSF is suspended. It will also collaborate with International Sports Bodies for athlete welfare in India and issue guidelines ensuring compliance with international standards.
Currently, these responsibilities fall under the IOA, which serves as the nodal body for NSF-related matters. The Board can de-recognise a national body that fails to hold elections for its Executive Committee or commits 'gross irregularities in election procedures." Additionally, failure to publish annual audited accounts or misuse of public funds may lead to suspension, though consultation with the relevant global body is required before proceeding.
The IOA strongly opposed the Board during the consultation stage, labeling it as government interference potentially leading to sanctions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has affirmed that the IOC was duly consulted during the drafting process. Maintaining a harmonious relationship with the IOC is vital for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
What Is National Sports Election Panel?
The bill also proposes a National Sports Election Panel comprising retired members of the Election Commission or State Election Commission or retired Chief Electoral Officers of the states or Deputy Election Commissioners. NSFs would be permitted to appoint an electoral officer from this panel to oversee their elections.
What Is National Sports Tribunal?
To prevent sports-related matters from becoming litigation, a National Sports Tribunal is suggested to provide 'independent, speedy, effective, and cost-efficient resolution of sports-related disputes." The tribunal will have a chairperson and two other members, with the head being a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court.
The central government will appoint members based on the recommendations of a committee led by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the CJI. The government will also have the power to remove members in case of violations, including financial irregularities and actions detrimental to 'public interest."
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