Not Interfering In Anyone's Autonomy: Mansukh Mandaviya Says Sports Regulatory Board Essential To Good Governance
New Delhi, November 23 (PTI): Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday downplayed concerns raised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha about a proposed regulatory board, saying it was an essential step towards ensuring good governance and did not intend to interfere in day-to-day operations of national federations.
The establishment of a Sports Regulatory Board of India is one of the key features of the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, which the government plans to introduce in Parliament soon. The regulatory body would have the authority to grant, renew, and suspend the affiliation of the IOA and national sports federations, among others.
Addressing concerns that the board's mandate could undermine the autonomy of the IOA and national federations, Mandaviya assured that the Ministry does not intend to meddle in their affairs. "We are not interfering in anyone's autonomy," he said. "What is autonomy in a federation? When the court tells us that there should be an election, someone should be responsible for ensuring it is conducted properly."
Mandaviya cited his recent intervention to ensure Indian wrestlers compete in a world championship as an example of how his ministry's role becomes necessary in certain circumstances. He said the government cannot leave sports unattended and must ensure regulatory bodies are in place.
The draft bill has been widely criticized, with Usha saying it could undermine the autonomy of IOA and national federations, putting India at risk of being suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Usha had expressed concerns about the board's mandate, stating that it could be construed as government interference by the IOC.
However, Mandaviya reiterated that the Ministry does not wish to meddle. "We will bring a mature bill," he assured. The first copy of the proposed bill has been sent to all parties for consultations, but its exact introduction timeline remains unclear.
"We are working on it; we will introduce the bill soon," Mandaviya said in response to questions about when the bill would be introduced in Parliament.