New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) The BCCI is set to be included under the National Sports Governance Bill, which will be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday. This inclusion mandates that the BCCI take recognition from the proposed National Sports Board, despite not relying on government funding.
A Sports Ministry source disclosed on Tuesday, "Similar to all National Sports Federations (NSFs), the BCCI will need to follow the law once the Bill becomes an Act. Although they don't receive ministry funding, this legislation will apply to them."
The source further added, "While the BCCI will remain autonomous like other NSFs, any disputes will be handled by the proposed National Sports Tribunal, which will act as the resolution body for a range of sports matters, from elections to selections."
Importantly, the Bill does not introduce government control over any NSF. Instead, the government will act as a facilitator for good governance.
The BCCI's integration into the Olympic movement comes following cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games in the T20 format.
The much-anticipated Sports Governance Bill aims to create a robust framework that guarantees timely elections, administrative accountability, athlete welfare, and decreased litigation through a series of measures.
The National Sports Board (NSB), which will be appointed entirely by the central government, will have broad powers to either grant or suspend federation recognition based on complaints or independent audits into issues like electoral irregularities or financial misappropriation.
The Bill offers some leniency concerning the contentious age limit for administrators by allowing candidates aged between 70 to 75 to contest elections, provided no objections are raised by the relevant international bodies. In electoral matters, the Bill will uphold the "supremacy" of the Olympic Charter and International Federation statutes.
The NSB will consist of a chairperson, with members appointed by the central government based on ability, integrity, and standing. These appointments will be made following recommendations from a search-and-selection committee.
This committee includes the Cabinet Secretary or Secretary Sports as chairperson, the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, two experienced sports administrators with past leadership roles in a National Sports Body, and one distinguished sportsperson who is a recipient of the Dronacharya, Khel Ratna, or Arjuna award.
The ministry source emphasized, "This Bill is athlete-centered, ensuring stable administration, fair selection, safe sports environments, grievance redressal, NSF audits, proper accounting, and improved fund management."
The National Sports Tribunal will ensure that athletes do not suffer career setbacks due to prolonged court cases. Currently, there are 350 ongoing court cases involving the ministry, which need resolution promptly, added the source.
As highlighted in the previous draft, the Board will have the authority to recognize NSFs and form ad-hoc panels to manage individual sports if an NSF is suspended.
Furthermore, the Board will "collaborate" with international sports bodies for athlete welfare in India and issue guidelines to NSFs to ensure international compliance. Until now, these responsibilities were primarily managed by the IOA, the nodal body for NSF-related activities.
The Board has been empowered to de-recognize a national body for failing to hold elections for its Executive Committee or committing "gross irregularities in election procedures." Moreover, failing to publish annual audited accounts, or misusing public funds could lead to suspension by the NSB, which must consult the relevant global body before proceeding.
The IOA strongly opposed the Board at the consultation stage, describing it as government interference potentially resulting in sanctions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
However, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya claimed that the IOC was duly consulted during the drafting of the document. Maintaining a harmonious relationship with the IOC is crucial for India's 2036 Olympic Games hosting bid.
The source confirmed, "Everyone is now on board. This Bill is explicitly aligned with the Olympic Charter, and even the IOC acknowledges the diligent work put into its framing."
The proposed National Sports Tribunal aims to offer "independent, speedy, effective, and cost-efficient dispute resolutions" for sports-related issues. The Tribunal's rulings can only be challenged in the Supreme Court, as noted by the ministry source.
The Tribunal will include a chairperson and two other members. The head would be a sitting or retired Supreme Court judge or the Chief Justice of a High Court. Central government recommendations, led by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the CJI, will determine appointments.
The central government reserves the right to remove members in cases of violations, including financial irregularities and actions deemed contrary to the "public interest."
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