India has the largest youth population in the world, with about 65% of its people under the age of 35. Recognizing the potential of this demographic dividend, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports plays a crucial role in youth development and sports promotion. It focuses on personality-building, skill enhancement, and fostering national integration through various initiatives. The Ministry operates through two key departments:
• Department of Youth Affairs – Engages youth in leadership, employment, and community-building programs.
• Department of Sports – Develops infrastructure, supports athletes, and promotes competitive sports.
Over the years, the Ministry has launched several initiatives to empower youth, enhance sports participation, and improve India’s international standing in sports.
Overview of Budget Allocation
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, the Government of India has prioritized sports and youth affairs, boosting the ecosystem with comprehensive support. The Budget allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has seen a significant rise, from Rs. 466 crores in 2004-05 to Rs. 3397.32 crores for FY 2023-24. This marks an 11% increase compared to FY 2022-23 and is the highest since 2010. The allocation is over three times that of 2011-12 and nearly double that of 2014-15.
Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports
The Khelo India Scheme, launched in 2016-17, has seen significant financial growth over the years, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting mass participation and excellence in sports across India. The scheme aims to foster sports culture and achieve sporting excellence nationwide
It encourages sports participation throughout the country, leveraging sports’ holistic influence for the development of children and youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, a healthy lifestyle, national pride, and economic opportunities related to sports development.
2017-18 to 2019-20:
• Financial outlay of Rs. 1756 crore approved for three years to revamp the scheme.
2020-21:
• Budget of Rs. 328.77 crore allocated for one
2021-22 to 2025-26:
• Financial outlay increased to Rs. 3790.50 crore for five more years, marking a significant boost in funding to support a broader range of activities and enhance sports infrastructure.
These increasing financial allocations over the years highlight the growing importance of sports development in India, with a clear focus on long-term growth and sustainability in the sector.
Key Achievements:
• 323 new sports infrastructure projects approved, totaling Rs. 3073.97 crore.
• 1041 Khelo India Centres established for athlete training and development.
• 32 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence notified.
• 301 sports academies accredited for quality training.
• 2781 Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) provided coaching, equipment, medical care, and monthly Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA).
• 5939 national records and 1424 international records set by KIAs.
• 124 KIAs contributed to India’s 42 medals, including 9 Golds, at the 2022 Asian Games.
• 28 KIAs included in India’s contingent for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
KHELO INDIA AT A GLANCE
KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) is a government initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing sports talent across India. Launched in March 2024 with Phase 1, it focuses on identifying athletes from grassroots levels and combating issues like drug addiction and excessive screen time among children aged 9 to 18. Phase 2 inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, on 19 July 2024 in New Delhi. The programme uses modern ICT tools and global best practices to create an accessible, athlete-centric talent identification system.
The programme’s goal is to achieve 20 lakh assessments in the FY 2024-25 by onboarding all states and treating districts as units of assessment. The aim is to create a pool of talent capable of winning medals at global competitions like the Olympics and Asian Games.
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan launched in 1972 with the aim of empowering rural youth and involving them in nation-building while enhancing their skills and personality. In 1987, the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) was formed as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to oversee these Kendras. NYKS is one of the largest grassroots-level youth organization globally, focusing on voluntary participation, self-help, and community involvement. Through a network of youth clubs in villages, NYKS actively engages young people in developmental activities, promoting community empowerment and youth leadership.
Key Objectives:
The primary objective of NYKS is to mobilize, organize, and empower rural youth to contribute to nation-building and community development. Its focus areas include:
• Education, health, and sanitation
• Awareness on social issues
• Women empowerment and civic education
• Disaster relief and rehabilitation
• Skill development and self-employment.
Financial Outlays:
• The budgetary allocation for NYKS has varied across years. As per 2024-25 Budget estimates, the allocation for NYKS stood at ₹ 426 crore.
• 2008-09: ₹ 50.68 (Plan) and ₹ 38 crore (Non-Plan).
• Restructured in 2016 under Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK) for better resource utilization.
Key Achievements:
1. Youth Skilling & Employment Support
• 28,275 youth trained in vocational skills.
• Career counseling conducted for job opportunities.
2. Sports & Cultural Promotion
• 11,263 youth clubs received sports materials.
• 437 District Yuva Utsav programs held, involving 1.31 lakh youth.
3. Clean India & Environmental Initiatives
• 1.55 crore kg of waste collected across 1.68 lakh villages under Clean India 2.0.
• 596 Swachhata Abhiyan drives conducted with 4.12 lakh youth volunteers.
• 1.55 crore people engaged in Catch the Rain water conservation efforts.
4. Community Engagement & National Programs
• 4.04 lakh volunteers mobilized for community development.
• 1,942 volunteers trained in disaster risk reduction with NDRF.
• Namami Gange programs conducted across five states for river conservation.
5. Major Celebrations & National Events
• 19.71 lakh youth participated in National Unity Day.
• 9.38 crore citizens reached through Har Ghar Tiranga.
• 3.5 lakh youth celebrated National Youth Day across 10,305 activities.
These initiatives have significantly contributed to youth empowerment, skill development, sports promotion, environmental conservation, and nation-building.
Conclusion:
India’s strategic focus on youth empowerment and sports development continues to yield remarkable results, with substantial investments and initiatives shaping a brighter future for the nation’s youth. The increasing budget allocations, along with successful programs like Khelo India and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, underscore the government’s commitment to fostering talent, promoting sports culture, and ensuring that opportunities are available for all, regardless of gender or geographic location. With continued emphasis on grassroots-level development and elite athlete support, India is poised for sustained growth and success on both the national and international sporting stage.
