UGC has provided grant to the tune of Rs.312.20 crores to colleges for the development of new or existing outdoor/indoor infrastructure for ensuring greater participation of students in sports activities under the Scheme Development of Sports Infrastructure and Equipment in Universities and Colleges during the XII Plan.

In addition, UGC has been sending, from time to time, directions to universities to fill up the vacancies of teachers including sports teachers.

The Government is also making efforts to encourage sports in schools and colleges as per the following details:

1. In compliance of the provisions of the RTE Act, 2009, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) norms have been revised which provide for Physical Training Instructor (part time) at upper primary level.
2. Under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), financial assistance has been given to states for purchase of sports in secondary schools
3. In order to promote sports in higher educational institutions, UGC has implemented a number of schemes during XII Plan i.e. (1) Free Education for Sports Medal Winner/Participants of National/ International Events; (2) Development of Sports Infrastructure and Equipment in Universities and Colleges; and (3) Establishment of Centre of Excellence for Development of Sports in Universities.

This information was given by the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani in a written reply to the Lok Sabha question.

Source: PIB