New Delhi: The Modi government’s commitment to sports continues to shine as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2024-25, significantly enhancing allocations for the Sports Ministry. This marks the first budget of the government’s third term, underscoring its ongoing dedication to sports development.
Key Allocations and Enhancements
Sports Ministry Budget Overview:
- Total Allocation: Rs 3,442.32 crore
- Khelo India Allocation: Rs 900 crore, a Rs 20 crore increase from the previous year’s revised allocation of Rs 880 crore.
Comparative Budget Analysis:
- Previous Fiscal Year (2023-24): Rs 3,396.96 crore
- Current Fiscal Year (2024-25): Rs 3,442.32 crore
- Increase: Rs 45.36 crore
Focus on Khelo India Program
Historical Investments:
- 2022-23 Allocation: Rs 596.39 crore
- 2023-24 Allocation: Initially Rs 1,000 crore, revised to Rs 880 crore
- 2024-25 Allocation: Rs 900 crore
Program Expansion:
- Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) Launch: 2018
- Additional Initiatives:
- Khelo India University Games: Launched in 2020
- Khelo India Winter Games: Launched in 2020
- Khelo India Para Games: Launched in 2023
Infrastructure Development:
- Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs): Established nationwide to provide facilities for talented athletes.
Enhanced Support for Sports Institutions
National Sports Federations (NSFs):
- Previous Budget: Rs 325 crore (2023-24)
- Current Budget: Rs 340 crore (2024-25)
- Increase: Rs 15 crore
Sports Authority of India (SAI):
- Previous Budget: Rs 795.77 crore
- Current Budget: Rs 822.60 crore
- Increase: Rs 26.83 crore
- Functions: Manages Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and maintains stadiums across India.
Marginal Increases for Anti-Doping Agencies
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA):
- Previous Budget: Rs 21.73 crore
- Current Budget: Rs 22.30 crore
- Increase: Rs 0.57 crore
National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL):
- Previous Budget: Rs 19.50 crore
- Current Budget: Rs 22 crore
- Increase: Rs 2.5 crore
Strategic Importance
Global Sporting Events:
- Paris Olympic Cycle: Concluding in August 2024
- Commonwealth and Asian Games: Scheduled two years later
Government’s Vision:
- The incremental budget increases reflect a strategic approach to strengthening India’s sports infrastructure and athlete support systems in preparation for upcoming global competitions.
Athlete Development:
- Several Khelo India athletes are part of the Indian Olympic contingent, showcasing the program’s success in nurturing talent.
The Union Budget 2024-25 demonstrates the Modi government’s unwavering focus on sports development through substantial financial support. The increased allocation for the Khelo India initiative and other sports-related programs highlights a strategic investment aimed at fostering talent, enhancing infrastructure, and preparing athletes for global success. With these measures, the government reaffirms its commitment to making India a sporting powerhouse.
