The Rajiv Gandhi KhelAbhiyan (RGKA)

The Rajiv Gandhi KhelAbhiyan (RGKA) [erstwhile PanchayatYuvaKridaaurKhelAbhiyan (PYKKA)]: Under this Scheme, it is proposed to construct a sports complex in each block, both for outdoor and indoor sports disciplines.  This Scheme is a revised version of a Scheme called PanchayatYuvaKridaaurKhelAbhiyan (PYKKA), which was being implemented by the Central Government for creation of basic sports infrastructure by way of developing playgrounds in the rural areas of the country since 2008-09 and upto 2013-14. The Central Government is contemplating to revisit the RGKA Scheme as funds are not forthcoming from the converging Schemes, viz, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the Backward Region Grants Fund (BRGF), the Additional Central Assistance for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (ACA for LWEAA), and the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources – Central (NLCPR-Central). The year-wise details of funds released to various states under PYKKA Scheme during 2012-13 and 2013-14 are given in Annexure – I. The details of funds released to various states under RGKA Scheme during 2014-15 are given in Annexure – II. No funds have been released under the RGKA during the current financial year.
ii.Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS) : Under this Scheme 100% financial assistance, subject to prescribed ceiling is provided to (a) State Governments; (b) Local Civic Bodies; (c) Schools, Colleges and Universities under Central/State Governments; and (d) Sports Control Boards for development of the (i) Synthetic playing surface (for hockey, football and athletics);  and (ii)Multipurpose indoor hall. The details of funds released during the last three years and current year are given in Annexure – III.

iii.National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS): National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) has been launched  through which talented sportspersons will be identified and nurtured so as to enable them to participate in National and International Sports events, win medals and bring laurels to the country. The guidelines for implementation of the scheme have been issued to all States/UTs. The scheme is being implemented from the current financial year and no funds have been released yet.

iv.Himalayan Region Sports Festival (HRSF): Under this scheme the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has decided to organise annual sports events in the Himalayan Region.  Competitions will be conducted in following  sports disciplines:
(1) Archery (2) Judo (3)Athletics (4) Taekwono (5) Boxing (6) Wrestling (7) Football (8) Fencing

In addition, demonstration/exhibition of indigenous games & martial arts, most popular in the State/Country will also be organized. An amount of Rs.1.27 Crore has been released to the Government of Assam during 2014-15 for preparatory work related to the Festival.

          In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today Shri Sonowal said, release of grants under RGKA and USIS are demand-driven and made against proposals received from States /UTs and other eligible entities, and which are complete in all respects as per provisions of the respective Scheme and subject to the condition that no Utilisation Certificate is pending from the concerned State/UT against grants released by this Ministry.
          He said, there is no scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports specifically to provide special sports training to youth for the said areas. However, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has the following Sports Promotional Schemes aimed at talent scouting, imparting of training and provision of sports facilities in various parts of the country including rural, tribal, backward, hilly and coastal area of the country:
i.National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC)
ii.Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC)
iii.SAI Training Centres (STC)
iv.Special Area Games (SAG)
Extension Centres of STC/SAGs
v.Centre of Excellence (COE)
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is not implementing any Scheme to provide financial assistance to individuals/voluntary organisations for setting up of small stadia in rural areas of the country for those who are willing to give their agricultural land for the purpose, the Minister added.
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