Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is a branch of the Government of India that oversees the development and promotion of youth affairs and sports in the country. It was established as an independent ministry in 2000, with the aim of empowering the youth and fostering their overall development, as well as promoting excellence in sports.
Vision and Mission
The vision and mission of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is to empower the youth of India and enable them to realize their full potential, while also promoting the development of sports and achieving excellence in various sporting disciplines. The mission of the ministry is to:
Departments and Schemes
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports comprises two departments:
- Department of Youth Affairs: This department focuses on the development and empowerment of youth through various schemes and programs, such as:
- National Youth Policy
- National Service Scheme (NSS)
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)
- National Youth Corps (NYC)
- National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD)
- International Cooperation
- Department of Sports: This department is responsible for the development and promotion of sports in the country, through initiatives such as:
- Khelo India
- National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)
- Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations
- Scheme of Sports Infrastructure
- National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons
- Scheme for Promotion of Sports among Persons with Disabilities
- National Sports Talent Search Scheme
Youth Engagement and Empowerment
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports places a strong emphasis on engaging and empowering the youth of India. Some of the key initiatives in this regard include:
- National Youth Policy: The National Youth Policy, first introduced in 2003 and revised in 2014, outlines the government’s vision and strategy for the all-round development of youth. It focuses on areas such as education, skill development, employment, health, sports, and social and community service.
- National Service Scheme (NSS): The NSS is a voluntary association of young people in educational institutions, aimed at developing their personality through community service. It promotes social consciousness and a sense of civic responsibility among the youth.
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS): The NYKS is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which works towards the development of rural youth through various programs and activities, such as skill development, entrepreneurship training, and sports promotion.
- National Youth Festival: The National Youth Festival is an annual event organized by the ministry to celebrate the youth of India and showcase their talents in various fields, such as art, culture, sports, and leadership.
Sports Development and Excellence
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is committed to the development of sports and the pursuit of excellence in various sporting disciplines. Some of the major initiatives in this regard include:
- Khelo India: Khelo India is a flagship program of the ministry, launched in 2018 to revive the sports culture in India at the grassroots level. It aims to identify and nurture young sporting talent, provide them with world-class infrastructure and training, and prepare them for international competitions.
- National Sports Development Fund (NSDF): The NSDF was established in 1998 to mobilize resources from the government, public sector, and private sector for the development of sports in the country. It provides financial assistance to sportspersons, coaches, and sports organizations for training, equipment, and infrastructure.
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): The TOPS is a flagship program of the ministry, launched in 2014 to provide top-level training and support to potential Olympic medal winners. It provides customized training and financial assistance to elite athletes in various sports.
- India’s Performance in Olympics: India has been participating in the Olympic Games since 1900, and has won a total of 35 medals (as of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics), including 10 gold, 9 silver, and 16 bronze medals. The ministry has been working towards improving India’s performance in the Olympics through various initiatives, such as TOPS and the Khelo India program.
Promotion of Indigenous Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports also focuses on the promotion and development of indigenous sports in India. Some of the major initiatives in this regard include:
- Promotion of Yoga: The ministry has been actively promoting yoga as a means of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It has been organizing the International Day of Yoga on June 21st every year since 2015, with the aim of raising awareness about the benefits of yoga and encouraging its practice.
- Development of Indigenous Games: The ministry has been working towards the development and promotion of indigenous games, such as kabaddi, kho-kho, and mallakhamb, through various schemes and initiatives. It has also been providing financial assistance to national sports federations for the development of these games.
