Centre to change Arjuna awards scheme

The Centre is in the process of changing the Arjuna awards scheme in order to avoid any controversy in future, Sports Minister Uma Bharti said on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Bharti said, "I think the new Arjuna awards scheme will be highly appreciated by everybody and there will be no complaints anymore."

However, she refused to the divulge the details of the scheme, adding that they would be announced at a later stage.

Talking about the new initiatives of the Centre, the minister said the government has decided to encourage private sector participation in the field of sports.

"As budgetary support was not sufficient to fund every activity, the government has decided to seek the help of private sector."

Bharti said the Sports Department had held discussions with the apex chambers of commerce, CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM, adding that the response from them was very encouraging.

The minister said plans are afoot to set up a sports academy in each state at a cost of Rs ten crore. However, these would be completely managed by the private sector, she added.

She said priority would be given to states which had shown advancement in the field of sports in terms of setting up of the academies.

This move, she said, would help in broadbasing sporting activities in the country.

The minister said the government would draw up a special package for the North-Eastern states to help the local youth take part in various sporting activities.

Bharti said the ministry would have discussions with various private sector companies for getting sponsorships for setting up the academies.

Regarding budgetary support to the sports department, she said the ministry has asked for more funds in the coming Budget.

"The Finance Ministry on earlier occasions had responded favourably," she said.