GIST of India Year Book 2024 : Chapter-29 : Youth Affairs & Sports (Arora IAS)

Youth Affairs in India

Importance of Youth:

Department of Youth Affairs:

National Youth Policy (2014):

Vision: Empower youth to achieve their potential and contribute to India’s global standing.
Objectives:
- Create a skilled workforce.
- Foster a healthy generation.
- Promote social values and community service.
- Encourage youth participation in civic life.
- Support vulnerable youth and ensure equal opportunities.

Schemes for Youth:

Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan):
- Develops personality, leadership qualities, and civic engagement of youth.
- Focus areas: literacy, health, sanitation, environment, social issues, women’s empowerment, rural development, skill development, entrepreneurship, disaster relief.
National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD):
- Supports government and non-government organizations working with youth and adolescents.
- Components:
  - Youth leadership training
  - Promoting national integration
  - Adventure promotion (Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards)
  - Adolescent development and empowerment
  - Technical and resource development

Sports in India: Recent Success and Government Initiatives

Improved Performance:

Strong showing at recent Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, and University Games.
Attributed to dedicated efforts by institutions and athletes.

Government Schemes:

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS):
- Aims to improve Olympic and Paralympic performance.
- Provides support to identified athletes:
  - Foreign training
  - International competition
  - Equipment and coaching camps
  - Monthly stipend of ₹50,000
- Mission Olympic Cell (MOC):
  - Supports TOP Scheme athletes by:
    - Discussing and deciding on best assistance methods
    - Overseeing selection, exclusion, and retention of athletes, coaches, and training institutes
  - Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat):
    - Promotes youth development and youth-led initiatives.
    - Objectives:
      - Leadership development for youth
      - Aligning youth aspirations with community needs
      - Improved program efficiency
      - One-stop shop for youth and ministries
      - Centralized youth database
      - Phygital ecosystem (blend of physical and digital experiences)
    - National Sports University:
      - Located in Manipur.
      - Offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral programs in sports coaching, sports sciences, and physical education.
    - Khelo India:
      - National program to develop sports culture, achieve sporting excellence, and encourage participation across the country.
    - Fit India Programme:
      - Voluntary movement encouraging people to engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily.
      - Activities include sports, games, walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, yoga, fitness events, etc.

Incentive Schemes for Sportspersons in India

The Ministry offers various awards to recognize and motivate athletes, institutions, and coaches.

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
- Highest sporting honor in India.
- ₹25 lakh prize for exceptional performance over four years.
Arjuna Award:
- Recognizes outstanding performance at the international level for four years.
- Emphasizes leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement:
- Honors sportspersons for their long-term contribution to sports even after retirement.
Dronacharya Award:
- Recognizes outstanding coaches who train athletes to achieve international success.

Anti-Doping Initiatives

Combating Doping:
- India acknowledges the global issue of doping in sports.
- The government actively collaborates with international anti-doping agencies.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA):
- Responsible for promoting clean sports and preventing doping practices.
- Operates under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines.
NADA Functions:
- Conducts in-competition and out-of-competition testing to detect doping.
- Educates athletes, coaches, and staff about anti-doping rules and risks.
Maintains an updated list of prohibited substances based on WADA guidelines.
Evaluates and grants Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for athletes with medical needs.
Investigates and adjudicates cases of anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs).
Collaborates on research related to anti-doping measures.