States have agreed to model sports law: Sports Minister

New Delhi: Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said all the states have agreed to a model law suggested by the centre to tackle the menace of betting and match-fixing that has rocked Indian cricket.

"The states have agreed to the suggestion that the centre could develop a model sports law for adoption by the states," Jitendra said in a statement after the two-day conference of Ministers of States/UTs in charge of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Stressing on the need to have uniform sports law in the country, the minister said, "there is a need for good governance, cleansing of sports and bringing transparency in the working of Sports Federations.

He said his Ministry is working with the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Home Affairs on how to stop betting and fixing in sports.

As sports is a state subject, Jitendra added the states have to "initiate a debate" on how to enact laws to stop betting and fixing etc. He assured the states that all necessary guidance and support will be provided by the Centre in "making such laws, if they so desire".

He also declared a new programme of Sports Scholarships under which up to 10 scholarships in different disciplines of sports science and sports medicine will be offered every year. Under the programme, the scholars can go to any reputed institute in the world and all their education and living expenses will be borne by Government of India.

During the conference, a new initiative called "Identification & Nurturing Sports Talent (INSTAL)" was also discussed. Under the proposed Scheme, each district will have a special school meant for young sport persons in the age group of 6-10 years who have shown talent in sports.

The states urged the Central Government to develop allied sciences like sports medicine, nutrition and psychology to cater to the needs of sports persons and development of sports. They were also of the view that coordinated efforts be made to persuade the Private Sector to earmark funds for sports development and sports persons welfare as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility.