Sports Ministry declares National Sports Federations as Public Authority under RTI Act

                    The Government has decided to declare all National Sports Federations (NSFs) receiving grant of Rs. 10 lakh or more as Public Authority under Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has issued its Order today after taking into consideration various issues including the fact that the National Sports Federations are doing a “State” function of preparation of national teams and their representation at international level as well as promotion of sports in the country. They receive special privileges and substantially funding from the Government for the purpose and hence are substantially financed by the Government.

                     In its Order, the Ministry has asked all NSFs to immediately designate Central Public Information Officers and Appellate Authorities as per Section 5 of the RTI Act. They are further asked to fulfill their obligations of being a Public Authority, with respect of voluntary disclosure of information as per Section 4 of the above Act and send the compliance to the Ministry latest by 15th April, 2010 along with making available the relevant information on their websites. The Communication also mentions that compliance to the above instructions is mandatory for an NSF to become eligible to receive Government grant under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations.