Sports Ministers to review various schemes today

New Delhi, Aug 3 (ANI): The Centre has convened a Conference of State Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports here today. .

The day-long Conference will provide a platform for exchange of views on the various schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports , for promotion and development of sports and youth activities in the country and also help receiving the suggestions and feedback of States/UTs .

The Conference to be Chaired by Dr. M.S. Gill , Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports would be attended by the Ministers from the States / UTs, Pratik Prakashbapu Patil , Minister of State of Youth Affairs and Sports and senior officers of the Ministry .

The participants will review the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA), the scheme introduced by the Ministry last year. So far, under the PYKKA , the proposals worth Rs 251 crore of 24 States Governments have been approved and about Rs 125 crore has been released .

The meet will try to evolve an effective mechanism for active collaboration and implementation of the schemes.

Other issues, which would be deliberated in the Conference includes role of National Playing Fields Association and setting up of similar bodies in States / UTs , implementation of the recently initiated scheme for promotion of sports and games for the disabled and exploring the possibility of partnership between states and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) with a view to maximize benefits of various Schemes of the SAI..

Regarding youth affairs, the State Ministers will also discuss expansion of Nehru Yuva Kendras to remaining 122 districts of the country.

Suggestions and feedback would be obtained on the National Youth Corps and the National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development . (ANI)