Parliament has passed the National Sports University Bill 2018 with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill last week. The Bill seeks to establish a first-of-its-kind National Sports University in Manipur for the promotion of sports.

Replying to a debate on the bill, Sports Minister Col Rajyavardhan Rathore said, the Chancellor of the University will be from the sports field and the academic council as well as academic activities will have members will also from sports field. Mr Rathore said, it is a major step towards bringing to reality Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing a world-class 360-degree sports ecosystem in India.

He said, Government has focused on each and every need of a budding sportsperson and has enhanced the stipend as well as food and supplement allowance. He informed that Government is developing a Mobile App which will have information about sports academies and centres.

The National Sports University Bill, 2017 was introduced on August 10, 2017 by the Former Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Vijay Goel in Lok Sabha.  Key features of the Bill are as follows:

• Establishment of the University:  The Bill establishes a National Sports University located in Manipur.  It will promote sports education in the areas of: (i) sports sciences, (ii) sports technology, (iii) sports management, and (iv) sports coaching.  It will function as a national training centre for select sports disciplines.  It may also establish campuses and study centres in other parts of the country.  The University will be empowered to grant degrees, diplomas and certificates.

• Objectives:  The key objectives of the University are: (i) research, development and dissemination of knowledge in physical education and sports sciences, (ii) strengthening physical education and sports training programmes, (iii) generating knowledge capabilities, skills and competence at various levels, and (iv) training talented athletes to help them to evolve into international level athletes.

• Authorities of the University:  The Bill provides for several authorities under the University.  These include: (i) the Court, which will review the broad policies and programmes of the University, (ii) the Executive Council, which will be the principal executive body, (iii) the Academic and Activity Council, which will conduct the general supervision over academic policies, (iv) the Board of Sports Studies, which will approve subjects for research for various degrees and other requirements of research degrees, (v) the Finance Committee, which will examine the accounts and proposals for expenditure, and (vi) any other authorities which may be declared by the statutes.

• The Executive Council:  The Executive Council will conduct all of the University’s administrative affairs.  The members of the Executive Council will include: (i) the Vice-Chancellor (appointed by the central government), (ii) Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and (iii) four persons from amongst eminent sports persons, among others.  Functions of the Council include: (i) creating academic and non-academic posts, (ii) managing and regulating the University’s finances and property, and (iii) partnering with industry and non-government agencies for advancement of knowledge.

• Role the central government:  The central government will review and inspect the functioning of the University.  The Executive Council may take action based on the inspection report.  If it fails to take action to the satisfaction of the central government, it will have to comply with the directions issued by the central government.  Further, the central government may annul any proceeding of the University which is not in line with the Act.

• Funding:  The University will be required to maintain a fund which will be credited with the funds that it receives from the central government, state government, and fees and money received from any other sources (grants and gifts).  All funds of the University will be invested as decided by the Board on the recommendation of the Finance Committee.

• Disputes and appeal procedure:  Any student or candidate whose name has been removed from the rolls of the University and who has been debarred from appearing for the examinations may appeal to the Executive Council.  The Council may confirm, modify or reverse such a decision.  Any dispute arising out of any disciplinary action taken by the University against a student may be referred (at the request of the student) to a Tribunal of Arbitration.  Further, any dispute between the University and any employee will also be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration.