press releases-PIB (Subscribed & published by Anjan K. Samal

15-December-2015 13:42 IST

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the King and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the eve of their National Day (December 16, 2015).

In a message to His Majesty King Hamad bin lsa Al-Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I have great pleasure in extending warm greetings and felicitations to Your Majesty and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of your National day.

The close and friendly relations between India and Bahrain, based on our cultural and economic exchanges over millennia, have, in the recent years, developed into a close and mutually beneficial partnership. I am confident that our multifaceted bilateral cooperation will continue to diversify and strengthen in the years to come.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Majesty my best wishes for your personal good health and well-being, as also for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Kingdom of Bahrain”.

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President of India’s message on the eve of Independence Day of Kazakhstan

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the eve of 24th Anniversary of their Independence Day (December 16, 2015). 

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of Kazakhstan on the occasion of the 24th Anniversary of your Independence. 

It gives me immense pleasure to note that Kazakhstan has made impressive progress in all spheres in the last twenty four years under your leadership. Bilateral relations between our two countries have also progressed steadily into a strategic partnership. The visit of the Prime Minister of India to Kazakhstan in July, 2015 has further deepened our partnership and opened up new avenues for cooperation. I am confident that our friendly relations will continue to scale new heights in the future and contribute towards the further development and prosperity of our peoples. 

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your personal well being and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Kazakhstan”.

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PM pays tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his Punya Tithi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his Punya Tithi. He remembered Sardar Patel for his exemplary service to the nation and his message of unity and integaration. 

“ On his Punya Tithi, salutations to Sardar Patel. We remember his exemplary service and are inspired by his message of unity and integration," the Prime Minister said. 

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PM pays homage to Sri Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited Sivagiri Mutt at Varkala in Kerala. He paid homage to the great social reformer Sri Narayana Guru. 

The Prime Minister was greeted enthusiastically by people as he arrived to pay homage, first at the Maha Samadhi Mandir, and then at Vaidika Mutt. 

Addressing the gathering there, the Prime Minister said he is fortunate to have received the blessings of Sri Narayana Guru. He said Sri Narayana Guru is his inspiration to work for the poor, deprived and downtrodden sections of society. 

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PM chairs Combined Commanders Conference on board INS Vikramaditya at Sea

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired the Combined Commanders Conference on board INS Vikramaditya at Sea, off the coast of Kochi. 

This is the first time that the Combined Commanders Conference has been held on board an aircraft carrier. 

The Prime Minister inspected a Tri-services Guard of Honour this morning at INS Garuda at Kochi, before arriving on board INS Vikramaditya, where he was received by the three Service Chiefs. 

After the Conference, the Prime Minister witnessed an operational demonstration of India’s naval and maritime air capabilities. The operational demonstration included take-offs and landings of naval fighter aircraft from INS Vikramaditya, missile firing from a warship, flypast of helicopters and fighter aircraft, marine commando operations, and steam-past of warships, including INS Virat. The Prime Minister interacted with soldiers, sailors and airmen on board INS Vikramaditya. 

Following are extracts of the Prime Minister’s speech: 

Raksha Mantri, Shri Manohar Parikkarji, 
The Chiefs of the Air Force, Army and Navy, 
Our commanders, 

It is a great pleasure and privilege to join our military leaders again. I am delighted that we are meeting at a base outside Delhi. 

I am sure you can feel a difference, and not just because of Indian Navy’s hospitality. 

Kochi is at the head of the Indian Ocean and at the crossroads of our maritime history. 

India’s history has been influenced by the seas. And, the passage to our future prosperity and security also lies on this ocean.

It also holds the key to the fortunes of the world. 

This aircraft carrier is the instrument of our maritime power and a symbol of our maritime responsibility. 

The Indian Armed Forces have always been known not just for the power they represent, but by the maturity and responsibility with which they wield it. 

They defend our seas and protect our borders. They keep our nation secure and our citizens safe. 

And, in calamity and conflicts, they do more than just bring relief and hope to our people. They lift the spirit of the nation and win the trust of the world. 

In Chennai, you battled the fury of rain and the river to save lives. In Nepal, you served with courage, humility and compassion. And, as in Nepal, in Yemen’s conflict, you held out your hand to every human in distress, not just fellow citizens. 

Our forces reflect our nation’s diversity and its unity. They embody the timeless culture of India and the finest tradition of our military. And, their success comes from the leadership that you provide. 

Today, I express our nation's gratitude to our military. 

I pay homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice, in silence and service, so that India marches ahead. 

Our thoughts are with the soldiers keeping vigil on the harshest frontiers of the world; with their families that say uncertain farewells when they leave home; and, their loved ones who must sometimes bear their coffins. 

I know how an officer, in the prime of his youth, feels when he does not make the next grade, not because he was not outstanding or was less deserving, but because the room above was small. 

So, to honour your service and uphold your welfare will always be our solemn duty. 

For this reason, we have moved with speed to implement the One Rank One Pension promise that had remained unfulfilled for decades. And, we will build the National War Memorial and Museum that you so richly deserve in the heart of our nation’s capital. 

We will also improve skills and opportunities for our ex-servicemen, so that when they leave the Service, they can still serve the nation with pride and dignity. 

I also pay tribute to our internal security forces. Their valour and sacrifices defeat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, reduce the violence of Left Wing Extremism and keep our Northeast more peaceful. 

I complement our negotiators for bringing new hope in the long standing Naga problem. 

India is at an exciting moment of change. There is a high tide of hope and optimism in the country. There is a new level of international confidence and interest in India. We have become the fastest growing major economy in the world. And, our economy is on a more stable path. 

Our factories are humming with activity again. We are building the next generation infrastructure at a higher pace and with an eye to the future. Foreign Investments are rising sharply and so is India’s ranking as a place to do business in. 

Every citizen can see a future of opportunities and fulfilled basic needs with confidence. This is important for India’s prosperity, and also our security. 

In an inter-dependent world, India’s transformation is closely linked with our international partnerships. And, so is our security. 

So, there is new intensity and purpose in our foreign policy. In the East, we have strengthened our traditional partnerships with Japan, Korea and ASEAN. We have made new openings in the region, including with Australia, Mongolia and Pacific Islands. 

We have extended our reach in the Indian Ocean Region, and for the first time articulated a clear strategy for our maritime region. We have raised our engagement with Africa to a new level. 

We have retraced our ancient links to Central Asia. We have established closer relations and security cooperation in West Asia and Gulf, even as we have revived our close relations with Iran. 

Russia has always been a source of strength for us. It remains important for our future, too. 

With the United States, we have advanced our partnership in a comprehensive manner, including in defence. Our strategic partnerships in Europe have deepened. 

Across the world, India is seen not just as a new bright spot of the global economy. It is also seen as an anchor for regional and global peace, security and stability. 

And, as the world seeks to deal with rising threat of terrorism and radicalism, countries across all regions, including in the Islamic world, have reached out to seek cooperation with India. 

Above all, it is our neighbourhood that is most critical for our future and for our place in the world. 

But, ours is a difficult neighbourhood with the full spectrum of security challenges. 

We see terrorism and ceasefire violations; reckless nuclear build up and threats; border transgressions; and, continuing military modernization and expansion. The shadow of West Asian instability is becoming longer. 

Beyond that, our region is marked by uncertain political transitions, weak institutions and internal conflicts. And, major powers have also increased their engagement in our land and maritime neighbourhood. 

From Maldives and Sri Lanka in the seas to Nepal and Bhutan in the mountains, we are working to safeguard our interests and our relationships. 

The Land Boundary Agreement has boosted our growing relationship and security cooperation with Bangladesh. 

We are engaging Pakistan to try and turn the course of history, bring an end to terrorism, build peaceful relations, advance cooperation and promote stability and prosperity in our region. 

There are many challenges and barriers on the path. But, the effort is worth it, because the peace dividends are huge and the future of our children is at stake. 

So, we will test their intentions to define the path ahead. For this, we have started a new NSA-level dialogue to bring security experts face to face with each other. 

But, we will never drop our guard on security and we will continue to judge progress on their commitments on terrorism. 

We remain committed to help the great Afghan people build a united, peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation. 

We are also pursuing closer relations with China to harness the full potential of our economic partnership. We will aim to address outstanding issues, maintain stability on the border, and develop greater mutual understanding and trust in our overlapping neighbourhood. 

I believe that India and China can engage constructively across the complexity of their relationship as two self-assured and confident nations, aware of their interests and responsibilities. 

We will continue to strengthen our defence capabilities and infrastructure, engage our neighbours more closely and strengthen our regional and global partnerships, including in maritime security. 

In a world of rapid changes, India faces familiar threats and new ones. Our challenges cover land, sea and air at the same time. It includes the full range, from terrorism to conventional threat to a nuclear environment. 

Our responsibilities are no longer confined to our borders and coastlines. They extend to our interests and citizens, spread across a world of widespread and unpredictable risks. 

As our world gets transformed, the character of economies change and technology evolves, the nature of conflicts and the objectives of war will also change. 

We know that old rivalries can play out in new theatres such as space and cyber. And, new technologies offer us new ways to be more effective against both traditional and new challenges. 

So, we in India must be ready for the present and prepare for the future. 

India is confident that our defence forces are prepared to deter and defeat any misadventure. 

Our strategic deterrence is robust and reliable, in accordance with our nuclear doctrine, and our political will is clear. 

We have speeded up the process of defence procurements. We have approved many long pending acquisitions. 

We are taking firm steps to address shortages and cater for replacements. 

We are advancing the pace of expansion of border infrastructure and improve the mobility of our forces and equipment. This includes the strategic railways to the border region. 

We are transforming defence manufacturing in India through radically new policies and initiatives. 

Our public sector is gearing up to the challenge. The private sector has responded with great enthusiasm. 

And, foreign defence companies are coming here with ambitious new proposals for Make in India, from fighter jets and helicopters to transport aircraft and UAVs; from avionics to advanced material. 

We can never call ourselves a secure nation and a strong military power unless we develop domestic capabilities. This will also reduce capital costs and inventories. In addition, it will be a huge catalyst for industry, employment and economic growth in India. 

We will soon reform our procurement policies and process. And, our offsets policy will become a strategic tool for improving our capabilities in defence technologies. Defence technology will now be a national endeavour that taps the potential of all institutions in our country. 

Armed Forces will be crucial to the success of Make in India Mission. I am encouraged by your localization plans, especially in the capital intensive Navy and Air Force. 

We want to see clear targets and goals on domestic acquisition; more clarity on specifications; and, greater involvement of our forces in innovation, design and development, especially from those who wield the weapons in the field. 

Above all, we look to our Armed Forces to prepare for the future. And, it cannot be achieved by doing more of the same, or preparing perspective plans based on outdated doctrines and disconnected from financial realities. 

In the course of the past year, I have seen progress, but I also feel that our forces and our government need to do more to reform their beliefs, doctrines, objectives and strategies. We must define our aims and our instruments for the changing world. 

At a time when major powers are reducing their forces and rely more on technology, we are still constantly seeking to expand the size of our forces. 

Modernisation and expansion of forces at the same time is a difficult and unnecessary goal. 

We need forces that are agile, mobile and driven by technology, not just human valour. 

We need capabilities to win swift wars, for we will not have the luxury of long drawn battles. We must re-examine our assumptions that keep massive funds locked up in inventories. 

As our security horizons and responsibilities extend beyond our shores and borders, we must prepare our forces for range and mobility. 

We must fully incorporate the power of digital networks and space assets into our capabilities. Equally, we must be prepared to defend them, for they will be the first targets of our adversaries. 

And, networks must be seamless and integrated across agencies and forces, and are precise, clear and quick in response. 

We have been slow to reform the structures of our Armed Forces. We should shorten the tooth-to-tail ratio. 

And, we should promote jointness across every level of our Armed Forces. We wear different colours, but we serve the same cause and bear the same flag. Jointness at the top is a need that is long overdue. 

Senior military leaders must have experience of tri-service commands, experience in technology-driven environment and exposure to the full spectrum of challenges – from terrorism to strategic. 

We need military commanders who not only lead brilliantly in the field, but are also thought leaders who guide our forces and security systems into the future. 

We should learn from the experience of the others, but we must frame our systems and commands on our own genius. Our National Defence University will be a reality soon. 

We also need reforms in senior defence management. It is sad that many defence reform measures proposed in the past have not been implemented. This is an area of priority for me. 

We must also have a comprehensive strategy for external defence engagement, to develop our capabilities and fulfill our responsibilities to advance peace and stability, including in our extended maritime region. 

We have kept peace in the blue helmet of the UN. And, our forces can be messengers of peace and hope, for example, by taking medical ships to remote island nations, and building relations with other militaries. 

In conclusion, to transform our country, every institution must reform itself. Our nation will progress when we all move forward in step. 

And, we expect you to lead from the front in expenditure reforms or in clean energy and energy efficiency. 

As you reform, we will do our best to meet your needs and keep you prepared. 

As our economy grows, we will be able to secure ourselves better. 

In turn, India pursues its dreams in the comfort that it is secure in your hands. 

Our military leaders, 

This is a year of anniversaries of the end of two World Wars and our 1965 conflict. 

This is also a year when humanity has come together in the United Nations to combat poverty and climate change. 

In the memories of the great tragedies of the past and in our united efforts for a better world, we are reminded of the enduring human story of progress and peril. 

And, of the responsibilities that men and women in uniform bear. To serve the cause of peace. To become the sentinels of progress. 

I know that our forces live by that creed. For our nation, for our friends, and our world. 

And, you will help India rise to its promise and its place in the world. 

Thank you. 

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Visit of Home Minister to China

At the invitation of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Union Home Minister visited China in November, 2015. In Beijing, Union Home Minister held meetings with the Hon’ble Minister of Public Security of People’s Republic of China and the Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party. He also called on the Hon’ble Chinese Premier. 

During the discussions, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, drug-related crimes, cyber crimes, economic crimes, illegal immigration activities and other transnational crimes as well as encourage long-term, healthy and stable development of law enforcement cooperation between them. A consensus was reached to establish a High Level Meeting Mechanism led by the Home Minister of India and the Minister of Public Security of China, to be held in Beijing and Delhi once every two years. A Joint Statement between Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China was issued. 

In Shanghai, Union Home Minister met the Mayor of Shanghai and discussed ways to institutionalize annual exchanges as part of the sister city relationship with Mumbai, in particular strengthening of exchanges between the police forces of Shanghai and Mumbai. 

The steps taken to enhance security cooperation include establishment of mechanism for meetings at senior officers’ level and exchange of information on security related matters. The two sides have agreed to work towards signing of an agreement on security cooperation. 

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to questions by Shri Sudheer Gupta, Sh.Naranbhai Kachhadiya, Dr.Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, Kunwar Haribansh Singh, Shri Anandrao Adsul, Shri Adhalrao Patil Shivajirao, Shri Pr. Senthil Nathan, Shri Gajanan Kirtikar, Shri Ashok Shankarrao Chavan, Shri Shrirang Appa Barne and Shri Dharmendra Yadav in the Lok Sabha today. 

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Monitoring stay of foreigners

While granting Tourist Visa to a foreign national, the Indian Missions/ Posts stipulate that stay on each visit shall not exceed 90 days or 180 days or less number of days as the Indian Missions/ Posts may consider appropriate. However, foreign nationals entering India on e Tourist Visa can stay in the country for a maximum period of 30 days. 

There is no requirement of registration on a Tourist Visa with the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs)/ Foreigners Registration Offices (FROs) as the maximum period of stay allowed on each visit is 180 days. In case of overstayal by foreigners on a Tourist Visa, the FRROs/ FROs are competent to take appropriate action under the Foreigners Act, 1946 including levy of penalty for overstay. 

Applications for extension of any type of visa are to be submitted by the foreign nationals to the FRROs/ FROs concerned on the online system. Powers have been delegated to the FRROs/ FROs/ State Governments/ UT Administrations for grant of extension of any type of visa subject to certain conditions. Cases are referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs for approval only in respect of cases which are beyond the delegated powers of the FRROs/ FROs/ State Governments/ UT Administrations. Details of applications for extension of visas received, fines collected and punishments enforced are not centrally maintained. 

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to questions by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri P.P. Chaudhary, Shri DilipKumar Mansukhlal Gandhi, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh and Shri A.Arunmozhithevan in the Lok Sabha today. 

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Monitoring stay of foreigners

While granting Tourist Visa to a foreign national, the Indian Missions/ Posts stipulate that stay on each visit shall not exceed 90 days or 180 days or less number of days as the Indian Missions/ Posts may consider appropriate. However, foreign nationals entering India on e Tourist Visa can stay in the country for a maximum period of 30 days. 

There is no requirement of registration on a Tourist Visa with the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs)/ Foreigners Registration Offices (FROs) as the maximum period of stay allowed on each visit is 180 days. In case of overstayal by foreigners on a Tourist Visa, the FRROs/ FROs are competent to take appropriate action under the Foreigners Act, 1946 including levy of penalty for overstay. 

Applications for extension of any type of visa are to be submitted by the foreign nationals to the FRROs/ FROs concerned on the online system. Powers have been delegated to the FRROs/ FROs/ State Governments/ UT Administrations for grant of extension of any type of visa subject to certain conditions. Cases are referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs for approval only in respect of cases which are beyond the delegated powers of the FRROs/ FROs/ State Governments/ UT Administrations. Details of applications for extension of visas received, fines collected and punishments enforced are not centrally maintained. 

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to questions by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri P.P. Chaudhary, Shri DilipKumar Mansukhlal Gandhi, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh and Shri A.Arunmozhithevan in the Lok Sabha today. 

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Loss Due to Terrorism

As per Global Terrorism Index 2015, the deaths in 2014 from terrorism, the world over, recorded an increase of more than 80%, whereas India recorded as increase of only 1%. However, the overall internal security situation in the country is under control. 

The range of challenges to internal security in India, emanating from terrorism/insurgency, can be categorized into four broad theatres, viz. cross border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, militancy in the North East, Left Wing Extremism in certain states and terrorism in the hinterland. However, the loss of property due to insurgency/terrorism cannot be quantified.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to question by Shri Dilip Kumar Mansukhlal Gandhi, Shri R.Dhruva Narayana and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Lok Sabha today. 

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Missing Children

The National Human Rights Commission had constituted a Committee in 2007 to examine the issue of Missing Children in the country. The Committee had submitted its report. Based on the recommendations of the Committee a reporting format was devised seeking ATRs from the States/UTs. 

The Commission has also organised a National Conference on Missing Children on 15 January, 2013 at New Delhi. 

However, it is stated that the NHRC has appointed a Committee to examine draft model guidelines pertaining to missing children, in the light of the SOP prepared by NALSA, the guidelines earlier prepared by the Commission in the year 2007 and the judgment by the Supreme Court of India in WP(C) No.75/2012, Bachpan Bachao Andolan Vs UOI & Others. 

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to a question by Shri Shivkumar Udasi in the Lok Sabha today. 

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ACC Appointment

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri A.K. Jain, IRS (IT) (1978), Member, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) as Chairman, CBDT vice Ms. Anita Kapur, IRS (IT) (1978). 

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KSD/NK/PK/RS

KVS Celebrates its Foundation Day

Honours Teachers for their Innovations in Education

Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Shri Ram Shanker Katheria, while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the Foundation Day celebration of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan today at New Delhi said that teachers today have to shoulder the great responsibility of nurturing students to become better citizens who can steer the nation forward in the present prevailing conditions. He said that Kendriya Vidyalaya teachers have shouldered their responsibility well by showing the students a new and novel direction in education. Minister of State added that Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is also celebrating its Golden Jubilee year of its becoming an autonomous body. 

Shri Katheria, the Chief Guest of the Occasion added that the Kendriya Vidyalayas while materializing the dreams of the Prime Minister Shri Modi have touched new heights in the field of Education. He further said that teachers are the ones who guide the students forward on the path of progress by becoming their role models. The country strides the path of development only with the help of its teachers and students. 

Twenty one KV teachers, officers and staff who were recipients of National Awards -2014 were honoured on this occasion. One hundred and six teachers were given National Incentive Awards for their new, modern and innovative experiments in the field of education. 

KVS Commissioner, Shri Santosh Mall while highlighting the achievements of Central Schools said that the credit goes to the students and teachers of KV for its present day glory and achievement. He added that KVS has come a long way from 20 KVs in 1963 to the present 1122 KVs in the country today. Today KVs are situated in every region across the country. More than 55000 teachers are imparting modern and value based education to its 12 lakh students. 

Also present on the occasion were Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy Shri S.C. Khuntia, Additional Secretary, Smt Rina Ray, Joint Secreatry, Smt Satbir Bedi and other senior officers of KVS. 

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GG/RT/DS/RK/KVS

Qualification for Rio Olympics-2016

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that 57 athletes (25 in individual events and 16 members each of men and women Hockey team) have already qualified for participation in Rio Olympics 2016. More sportspersons are expected to qualify for participation in Rio Olympics 2016 as the qualification process will go on upto the first week of July 2016.

Preparations for improving the performance of the sportspersons and teams of the country in international sports events including Rio Olympics 2016 is an ongoing exercise. Coaching camps, customized training within the country and abroad with scientific back-up, competition exposures and engagement of foreign coaches are planned accordingly.

He said, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have formulated a Scheme namely, ‘Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme’ with the objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Focused disciplines are Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling and Shooting.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today the Minister said, 106 athletes have been identified so far through a process of research and consultation with the National Sports Federations and National Coaches/ Experts of the relevant disciplines. Financial assistance is being provided to these athletes for customized training and other support. The list of athletes identified under TOP Scheme is:

S No	Name	Discipline
1	Vikas Gowda	Athletics
2	Seema Punia	Athletics
3	Arpinder Singh	Athletics
4	Khushbir Kaur	Athletics
5	K T Irfan	Athletics
6	Saina Nehwal	Badminton
7	P V Sindhu	Badminton
8	P Kashyap	Badminton
9	K Srikanth	Badminton
10	Guru Saidutt	Badminton
11	H.S Prannoy	Badminton
12	MC Mary Kom	Boxing
13	Sarita Devi	Boxing
14	Pinki Rani	Boxing
15	Devendro Singh	Boxing
16	Shiva Thapa	Boxing
17	Mandeep Jangra,	Boxing
18	Vijender Singh	Boxing
19	Vikas Krishan	Boxing
20	Abhinav Bindra	Shooting
21	Gagan Narang	Shooting
22	Sanjeev Rajput	Shooting
23	Ayonika Paul	Shooting
24	Apurvi Chandela	Shooting
25	Heena Sidhu	Shooting
26	Shewta Singh	Shooting
27	Malaika Goel	Shooting
28	Jitu Rai	Shooting
29	P N Prakash	Shooting
30	Vijay Kumar	Shooting
31	Rahi Sarnobat	Shooting
32	Anisa Sayyed	Shooting
33	Manavjit Singh Sandhu	Shooting

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34	Ankur Mittal	Shooting
35	Mohd Ashab	Shooting
36	Kynan Chenai	Shooting
37	Sushil Kumar	Wrestling
38	Yogeshwar Dutt	Wrestling
39	Bajrang	Wrestling
40	Amit Kumar	Wrestling
41	Rahul Aware	Wrestling
42	Babita Kumari	Wrestling
43	Vinesh Phogat	Wrestling
44	Varsha Gautham	Sailors
45	Aishwarya Nedunchezhiyan	Sailors
46	Tarundeep Rai	Archery
47	Atanu Das	Archery
48	Jayanta Talukdar	Archery
49	Mangal Champia	Archery
50	Viswash	Archery
51	Ranjit Naik	Archery
52	Deepika Kumari	Archery
53	Bombayla Devi	Archery
54	Rimil Buruily	Archery
55	Laxmi Rani Majhi	Archery
56	Dola Banerjee	Archery
57	Snehal	Archery
58	Sanjay Boro	Archery
59	Atul Verma	Archery
60	Binod Swansi	Archery
61	Madhu Vedwan	Archery
62	Priyanka Pawar	Athletics
63	Tintu Luka	Athletics
64	Debashree Majumdar	Athletics
65	M.R. Poovamma	Athletics
66	Anilda Thomas	Athletics
67	Ashwini Akkunji	Athletics
68	Jauna Murmu	Athletics
69	Sini Jose	Athletics
70	Mandeep Kaur	Athletics
71	Chavi Sharawat	Athletics
72	Anju Thomas	Athletics
73	Nirmala	Athletics
74	Arpitha M.	Athletics
75	K. Ganapathy	Athletics

76	Manish Rawat	Athletics
77	Sandeep Kumar	Athletics
78	Devender Singh	Athletics
79	Sumit Sangwan	Boxing
80	Sarjubala Devi	Boxing
81	Chain Singh	Shooting
82	Maana Patel	Swimming
83	Inderjeet Singh	Athletics
84	Navjeet Kaur	Athletics
85	Gurmeet Singh	Athletic
86	Jisna Mathew	Athletics
87	Dipa Karmakar	Gymnastics
88	Geeta Phogat	Wrestling
89	Narsingh Yadav	Wrestling
90	Leander Paes	Tennis
91	Sania Mirza	Tennis
92	Rohan Bopanna	Tennis
93	Gurpreet Singh	Shooting
94	Amit Saroha	Para-Athletics
95	Sharad Kumar	Para Athletes
96	Devendar	Para Athletics
97	Karamjyoti	Para Athletics
98	Narender	Para Athletics
99	Deepa Malik	Para Athletics
100	H N Girisha	Para Athletics
101	Sandeep Singh Maan	Para Athletics
102	Sharath Gayakwad	Para Swimming
103	Jwala Gutta	Badminton
104	Ashwini Ponnappa	Badminton
105	Manu Atri	Badminton
106	Sumeeth Reddy	Badminton

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Centres of Sports Authority of India 

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the sports infrastructure in Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres varies with the level of users. For the National Athletes who are preparing for participation in major International events, the facilities provided are of global standard and specifications.

The Sports infrastructure at SAI’s Regional Centres and at some of the SAI Training Centres (STCs) and Special Area Games Centres (SAGs), where National camps are held, meet international specifications. Providing similar infrastructure at all STCs and SAGs which form the foundation tier of the Sports development pyramid is not required. However, they are given suitable facilities to carry out the responsibility of talent identification and development.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) is implementing various Sports Promotional Schemes between the age groups 8 - 25 years to promote sports in the Country namely:-

_·         National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)

_·         Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC)

_·         SAI Training Centre (STC)

_·         Special Area Games (SAG)

_·         Extension Centre of STC/SAG

_·         Centre of Excellence (CoE)

_·         National Sports Academies (NSA)

Under the above mentioned Sports Promotional Schemes, talented sports persons in various age groups (Male and female) are identified and nurtured to excel at National and International level competitions.

Proposals for setting up of SAI Centres are considered on merit basis as and when received. While considering proposals detailed feasibility reports are called for from the concerned region wherein availability of talent pool and infrastructure etc. are examined. Proposals for establishment of following new centres include the following.

_·         STC at Uday Pratap Inter College at Varanasi

_·         SAG at Dandeli in Athletics (for Siddi tribes)

_·         STC at Vidyadharnagar , Jaipur in Athletic, Basketball, Handball and Volleyball

_·         Opening of SAG Centre in Kargil, J&K

_·         Establishment of SAI SAG Centre at Solal Gaon, North Lakhimpur, Assam

_·         Opening of Regional Centre at Wathora, Nagpur

_·         Setting up of STC at Nagpur.

He said, to improve the performance of Indian athletes in International events, Government is supplementing the efforts of National Sports Federations (NSFs) by providing financial assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs for various activities including training of sportspersons, purchase of equipment, national camps, engagement of foreign coaches, holding of International tournaments, etc. All requisite support is provided in the form of food supplements, equipment, foreign exposure, training, etc to the medal prospects for Rio Olympics under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today the Minister said, apart from the efforts made by SAI through its ongoing schemes, Sports Academies run by eminent sports persons like PT Usha, Ashwini Nachappa, Pullela Gopichand and MC Marycom, in the discipline of Athletics, Badminton and Boxing respectively were provided with financial assistance by the Government, and SAI has signed MOUs to utilize their facilities for training of SAI trainees also.

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Recognition of Sports Federation

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that grant of recognition to sports bodies as National Sports Federations (NSFs) is subject to fulfilment of the conditions prescribed under the guidelines for recognition to NSFs as incorporated in the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. Receiving applications for recognition and taking decisions on them as per guidelines is a continuous process.

With a view to giving due importance to sports having regional spread, the Government has issued guidelines on 26-05-2015 for granting recognition to sports federations of indigenous sports disciplines as Regional Sports Federations (RSFs). Under this scheme, Government has so far granted recognition to Indian Kalarippayattu Federation and Sqay Federation of India as RSFs.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today the Minister said, to promote ancient, traditional and indigenous sports, Government has given recognition to various NSFs such as Indian Amateur Kabaddi Federation, Kho-Kho Federation of India, Tug-of-War Federation of India and Atya Patya Federation of India. The list of NSFs which have been given annual recognition for 2015 is at the annexure.

LIST OF RECOGNISED NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2015

S.No.	Discipline	Name of the Federation
1	Soft Tennis	Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India
2	Athletics	Athletic Federation of India
3	Atya Patya	Atya Patya Federation of India
4	Badminton	Badminton Association of India
5	Ball Badminton	Ball Badminton Federation of India
6	Baseball	Amateur Baseball Federation of India
7	Billiards &	Billiards & Snookers Federation of India
	Snookers
8	Body Building	Indian Body Builders Federation
9	Bridge	Bridge Federation of India
10	Carrom	All India Carrom Federation
11	Chess	All India Chess Federation
12	Cycle Polo	Cycle Polo Federation of India
13	Cycling	Cycling Federation of India
14	Deaf Sport	All India Sports Council of the Deaf
15	Equestrian	Equestrian Federation of India
16	Fencing	Fencing Association of India
17	Football	All India Football Federation
18	Golf	Indian Golf Union
19	Handball	Handball Federation of India
20	Hockey	Hockey India
21	Judo	Judo Federation of India
22	Jump Rope	Jump Rope Federation of India
23	Kabaddi	Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India
24	Karate	Karate Association of India
25	Kayaking &	Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association
	Canoeing
26	Kho-Kho	Kho-Kho Federation of India
27	Motor Sports	The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of
		India
28	Net Ball	Net Ball Federation of India
29	Polo	Indian Polo Association
31	Powerlifting	Indian Powerlifting Federation
31	Roll Ball	Roll Ball Federation of India
32	Roller Skating	Roller Skating Federation of India
33	Rowing	Rowing Federation of India
34	Rugby	Indian Rugby Football Union
35	School Games	School Games Federation of India
36	Sepaktakraw	Sepak Takraw Federation of India
37	Shooting	National Rifle Association of India
38	Shooting Ball	Shooting Ball Federation of India
39	Softball	Softball Association of India
40	Special Olympic	Special Olympics Bharat
	Bharat
41	Squash	Squash Racket Federation of India
42	Swimming	Swimming Federation of India
43	Table Tennis	Table Tennis Federation of India
44	Tenni-Koit	Tenni Koit Federation of India
45	Tennis-ball	Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India
	Cricket
46	Ten-Pin Bowling	Ten-Pin Bowling Federation of India
47	Tug of War	Tug-of-War Federation of India
48	Volleyball	Volleyball Federation of India
49	Weight-Lifting	Indian Weightlifting Federation
50	Winter Games	Winter Games Federation of India
51	Wushu	Wushu Association of India
52	Yachting	Yachting Association of India
53	Tennis	All India Tennis Association
54	Gymnastic	Gymnastics Federation of India
55	Wrestling	Wrestling Federation of India

De-recognization of Sports Bodies

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that 2 National Sports Federations (NSFs) namely Archery Association of India and Indian Amateur Boxing Federation have been derecognized during the last 5 years for non-compliance of the age and tenure guidelines of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 and due to de-recognition by the International body respectively. 

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today the Minister said, for the purpose of funding, Government has placed the sports disciplines in four categories namely “High Priority”, “Priority”, “General” and “Others”. For the 25 sports disciplines falling under “Others” category, no direct funding is done by the Government, now but the NSFs are entitled to avail various concessions of the Government such as railway concessions, tax benefits etc. 

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National Youth Advisory Council

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the Department of Youth Affairs had introduced a new Central Sector Scheme, namely, National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP) in December, 2014, which has a provision to setting up of a National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) to seek active involvement of the youth leaders as well as other stakeholders in the decision-making process on the youth related issues. The NYAC is to be chaired by the Minister in-charge of Youth Affairs, with Secretary, Youth Affairs as the Vice-Chairperson. The members of NYAC are to include Secretaries of major Central Ministries/ Departments dealing with youth related matters, Secretaries in-charge of Youth Affairs of States/ UTs (to be represented by rotation, 6 States/ UTs at a time), Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Young Leaders (one young leader from each State/ UT), UN Organisations, Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Other concerned Govt. officials, etc. The process of constitution of the National Youth Advisory Committee is going on. 

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today the Minister said, neighborhood Youth Parliament (NYP) is a key component of the newly introduced Central Sector Scheme, namely, National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP). Under the Neighbourhood Youth Parliament (NYP) Programme, the platform of youth clubs of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) is being developed in the shape of vibrant ‘neighbourhood youth parliament’ to educate the youth club members about contemporary socio-economic development issues confronting village communities in general and the youth in particular and to involve them in debate/ discussions on such issues. The implementing strategy is that initially Youth Parliament Programmes are organised at Block level for capacity building of Presidents/ Secretaries of Youth Clubs of that Block, after which the Presidents/ Secretaries of Youth Clubs are required to organise similar programmes in youth clubs. The recommendations of these programmes are presented to the local administration/ local bodies for their consideration. NYKS has so far organised 9,570 Youth Parliament Programmes at Block level, in which 7.67 lakh members of NYK-affiliated Youth Clubs participated. The Programmes organised during the first quarter of 2015-16 were effectively leveraged for Yoga Awareness and Training, in addition to other themes, which played a key role in effective participation of NYKS in Yoga programmes across the country on the 21.06.2015, i.e., the International Day of Yoga. In fact, on 21.06.2015, yoga programmes were organised in 68,568 NYKS-affiliated youth clubs, in which 22.42 lakh youth club members participated. 

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Grants to Sports Federations 

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that financial assistance is provided to the recognized National Sports Federations (NSFs) in various sports disciplines under the Scheme of ‘Assistance to NSFs’ for organizing coaching /training camps for national teams in India, training of athletes abroad etc. The details of funds provided to NSFs during the last 2 years and current year under the Scheme is given is:

S. No	Name of the Federation	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16	Total
				(up to	(Rs. in lakhs)
				June, 2015)
1	Athletics Federation of India, New Delhi	1014.37	83.55	13.22	1111.14
2	Archery Association of India, New Delhi	1000.57	448.59	127.60	1576.76
3	All India Chess Federation, Chennai	232.08	107.95	15.68	355.71
4	National Rifle Association of India, New Delhi	1960.68	1039.63	260.24	3260.55
5	All India Tennis Association, New Delhi	228.74	48.52	9.81	287.07
6	Judo Federation of India	250.22	114.66	15.78	380.66
7	Rowing Federation of India, Secunderabad	361.52	40.69	13.35	415.56
8	Table Tennis Federation of India, New Delhi	331.31	122.02	27.13	480.46
9	Swimming Federation of India, Ahmadabad	167.54	7.22	0.00	174.76
10	Squash Racket Federation of India, Chennai	177.50	101.56	25.71	304.77
11	Indian Amateur Boxing Federation, New Delhi	1145.49	99.36	60.36	1305.21
12	Hockey India	1268.19	520.33	312.28	2100.80
13	Indian Weightlifting Federation, New Delhi	530.22	83.47	34.56	648.25
14	Badminton Association of India	1106.35	511.59	170.50	1788.44
15	Equestrian Federation of India, New Delhi	27.46	12.43	0.00	39.89
16	All India Football Federation	394.70	131.63	0.00	526.33
17	Indian Golf Union, New Delhi	106.46	37.29	5.70	149.45
18	Wrestling Federation of India, I.G. Stadium	1429.12	532.31	29.35	1990.78
	Delhi
19	Yachting Association of India, New Delhi	142.75	116.91	15.44	275.10
20	Indian Amateur Kabaddi Federation, Jaipur	74.00	18.00	0.00	92.00
21	Volleyball Federation of India, Chennai	310.65	125.92	64.43	501.00
22	Gymnastics Federation of India, Jodhpur	119.26	66.10	0.00	185.36
23	Amateur Handball Federation, J & K	146.18	24.95	11.36	182.49
24	Basketball Federation of India, N Delhi	227.62	52.63	9.83	290.08
25	Fencing Association of India, Patiala	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
26	Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association, New	182.27	59.94	1.69	243.90
	Delhi
27	All India Sports Council of the Deaf,  New	87.49	3.02	0.00	90.51
	Delhi
28	Paralympic Committee of India, Bangalore	143.40	197.72	96.66	437.78
29	Special Olympic Bharat, New Delhi	274.51	19.17	0.00	293.68
30	All India Carrom Federation, New Delhi	30.57	5.83	0.00	36.40
31	All India Karate-Do-Federation, Chennai	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
32	Amateur Baseball Federation of India, Delhi	11.75	2.25	0.00	14.00
33	Atya Patya Federation of India, Nagpur.	14.00	1.25	0.50	15.75
34	Cycle Polo Federation of India, New Delhi	27.52	2.85	0.75	31.12
35	Indian Polo Association	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
36	Indian Power lifting Federation	10.25	5.25	0.00	15.50
37	Kho-kho Federation of India, Kolkata	3.00	7.75	0.00	10.75
38	Korfball Federation of India, New Delhi.	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
39	Sepak Takraw Federation of India, Nagpur.	64.60	10.53	13.61	88.74
40	Shooting Ball Federation of India, New Delhi	14.22	0.00	0.00	14.22
41	Softball Federation of India, Indore	15.00	0.00	0.00	15.00
42	Taekwondo Federation of India, Bangalore	332.13	39.80	0.00	371.93
43	Tenni-Koit Federation of India, Bangalore	15.70	3.00	0.50	19.20
44	Tennis  Ball  Cricket  Federation  of  India,	28.50	0.00	0.00	28.50
	Gorakhpur.
45	Tug of War Federation of India, New Delhi	10.75	3.00	0.00	13.75
46	Wushu Association of India, New Delhi	158.60	68.55	0.00	227.15
47	Billiards  &  Snooker  Federation  of  India,	164.80	76.25	14.69	255.74
	Kolkatta
48	Indian Rugby Football Union, Mumbai	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
49	Cycling Federation of India	309.83	69.29	0.00	379.12
50	Malkhamb Federation of India	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
51	Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India	17.50	0.50	0.00	18.00
52	Bridge Federation of India	5.22	0.00	0.00	5.22
53	Ice Hockey (NSPO)	0.50	2.00	0.00	2.50
54	School Games Federation of India, Bhopal	61.52	17.20	20.68	99.40
55	Indian Olympic Association, New Delhi	0.00	1830.87	0.00	1830.87
56	Sports Authority of India, J.N. Stadium, N.	7307.68	0.00	4732.00	12039.68
	Delhi
57	Association of Indian Universities (NSPO)	186.01	148.18	0.00	334.19
58	Tenpin Federation of India	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
59	Bowling Federation of India	0.00	10.44	0.00	10.44
60	Ball Badminton Federation of India	13.25	1.00	0.00	14.25
61	Roll Ball Federatin of India	4.51	0.00	0.00	4.51
62	Jump Rope Fed. of India	9.50	3.00	0.00	12.50
63	Winter Games Fed. of India	2.97	7.23	0.00	10.20
64	Indian Bodybuilders Federation	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
65	Netball Federation	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
66	Subroto Mukherjee Educational Society	7.50	1.25	0.00	8.75
	Jawaharlal   Nehru   Hockey   Tournament	8.87	2.25	0.00	11.12
67	Society
	Total	22276.90	7046.68	6103.41	35426.99

He said, to ensure utilization of Government funds by NSFs for the purpose for  which it  has  been  sanctioned,  utilization  certificates  and   audited accounts are obtained before release of further grants to NSFs. NSFs receiving grant of Rs.1.00 crore and above are subject to the audit by Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today the Minister said, in addition, Government of India has framed National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 to bring in transparency and accountability in the functioning of the various NSFs. The provisions of the Code inter-alia, includes guidelines for NSFs to follow proper democratic and healthy management practices, adhere to age and tenure limit of office bearers, take measures against age fraud and sexual harassment of women in sports, ensure dope test for all athletes as per norms, comply with the provisions of RTI Act, holding elections as per model election guidelines devised by the Ministry, etc.

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