Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is a branch of the Government of India that is responsible for the development and promotion of youth affairs and sports in the country. The ministry was established in May 2000 as a separate ministry, having previously been a part of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
The ministry is headed by a cabinet-level minister, who is assisted by a minister of state. The current Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports is Anurag Thakur, who assumed office on 7 July 2021.
Vision and Mission
The vision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is to empower the youth of the country to achieve their full potential and to promote the development of sports in India. The ministry aims to create a conducive environment for the youth to engage in constructive activities and to inculcate a spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
The mission of the ministry includes:
- Engaging youth in nation-building activities and promoting their participation in social and economic development
- Providing opportunities for the holistic development of youth through education, skill development, and entrepreneurship
- Promoting the development of sports infrastructure and facilities across the country
- Supporting the training and development of athletes and coaches to achieve excellence in sports
- Encouraging the participation of women and disadvantaged groups in sports and youth affairs
Departments and Schemes
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports comprises two departments:
- Department of Youth Affairs: This department is responsible for the implementation of various schemes and programs for the development of youth in the country. Some of the key schemes include:
- National Youth Corps (NYC)
- National Service Scheme (NSS)
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)
- National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD)
- National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP)
- Department of Sports: This department is responsible for the development and promotion of sports in the country. Some of the key schemes and initiatives include:
- Khelo India Scheme
- National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)
- Assistance to National Sports Federations
- Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Fit India Movement
Khelo India Scheme
The Khelo India Scheme is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports that aims to promote the development of sports culture in the country. The scheme was launched in 2018 with the aim of providing a platform for the identification and nurturing of young sporting talent.
Fit India Movement
The Fit India Movement is a nationwide campaign launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in August 2019 to promote physical fitness and well-being among the citizens of India. The movement aims to encourage people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle through regular physical activity and sports.
Sports Infrastructure Development
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been actively involved in the development of sports infrastructure across the country. Some of the key initiatives for sports infrastructure development include:
- Khelo India State Centres of Excellence: The ministry has identified 14 state-owned sports facilities across the country to be developed into world-class training centers for athletes.
- National Sports University: The ministry has established the National Sports University in Manipur to provide education and training in sports science, sports technology, and sports management.
- Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme: The ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and sports federations for the development of sports infrastructure and facilities.
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): The ministry provides financial assistance to elite athletes for their training and development, with the aim of winning medals at the Olympic Games.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the various initiatives and schemes launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to promote the development of sports and youth affairs in India. Some of the key challenges include:
- Lack of awareness and participation in sports and physical activity, particularly among women and disadvantaged groups
- Inadequate sports infrastructure and facilities, particularly at the grassroots level
- Limited funding and support for sports and youth affairs programs
- Lack of a structured talent identification and nurturing system for young athletes
- Limited opportunities for education and skill development for the youth.
