Centre's Nod to Ordinance To Set Up India's 1st Sports University In Manipur

•  The Union Cabinet has approved an ordinance to set up the country’s first national sports university in Manipur.
• A bill to set up the university in Imphal is already pending in parliament. The ordinance will be on the lines of the bill introduced in Lok Sabha in August, 2017.

About National sports university bill:

• Establishment of the University: The Bill establishes a National Sports University located in Manipur. It will promote sports education in the areas of: (i) sports sciences, (ii) sports technology, (iii) sports management, and (iv) sports coaching. It will function as a national training centre for select sports disciplines. It may also establish campuses and study centres in other parts of the country. The University will be empowered to grant degrees, diplomas and certificates.
• Objectives: The key objectives of the University are: (i) research, development and dissemination of knowledge in physical education and sports sciences, (ii) strengthening physical education and sports training programmes, (iii) generating knowledge capabilities, skills and competence at various levels, and (iv) training talented athletes to help them to evolve into international level athletes.
• Authorities of the University: The Bill provides for several authorities under the University. These include: (i) the Court, which will review the broad policies and programmes of the University, (ii) the Executive Council, which will be the principal executive body, (iii) the Academic and Activity Council, which will conduct the general supervision over academic policies, (iv) the Board of Sports Studies, which will approve subjects for research for various degrees and other requirements of research degrees, (v) the Finance Committee, which will examine the accounts and proposals for expenditure, and (vi) any other authorities which may be declared by the statutes.
• The Executive Council: The Executive Council will conduct all of the University’s administrative affairs. The members of the Executive Council will include: (i) the Vice-Chancellor (appointed by the central government), (ii) Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and (iii) four persons from amongst eminent sports persons, among others. Functions of the Council include: (i) creating academic and non-academic posts, (ii) managing and regulating the University’s finances and property, and (iii) partnering with industry and non-government agencies for advancement of knowledge.
• Role the central government: The central government will review and inspect the functioning of the University. The Executive Council may take action based on the inspection report. If it fails to take action to the satisfaction of the central government, it will have to comply with the directions issued by the central government. Further, the central government may annul any proceeding of the University which is not in line with the Act.
• Funding: The University will be required to maintain a fund which will be credited with the funds that it receives from the central government, state government, and fees and money received from any other sources (grants and gifts). All funds of the University will be invested as decided by the Board on the recommendation of the Finance Committee.
• Disputes and appeal procedure: Any student or candidate whose name has been removed from the rolls of the University and who has been debarred from appearing for the examinations may appeal to the Executive Council. The Council may confirm, modify or reverse such a decision. Any dispute arising out of any disciplinary action taken by the University against a student may be referred (at the request of the student) to a Tribunal of Arbitration. Further, any dispute between the University and any employee will also be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration.

By: Vishal