NEW DELHI: In a move which could raise some eyebrows, the sports ministry on Wednesday offered a one-year extension to five national sports federations (NSFs) namely equestrian, motor sport, yachting, polo and special Olympic bharat to amend their constitution and bye-laws in accordance with the National Sports Development Code of India (NSDCI) 2011.
Rest of the NSFs, which are flouting some or the other provisions of the sports code by failing to amend their constitution accordingly, have been given a time-frame of six months by the ministry to conform to the clauses.
L.S. Singh, joint secretary, sports, held a virtual meeting with the representatives of NSFs on Wednesday, categorically stating that the compliance of sports code provisions are binding on them and they should not only follow the provisions outlined in the code in managing their affairs to the extent the provisions are applicable, but also take immediate steps for making requisite amendments in their constitutions/bye-laws so that they are in sync with the code.
While renewing the recognition of NSFs, the federations have been given time of six months except in case of five NSFs, who have been given a time period of one year due to the special nature of their sports, to align their constitutions/bye-laws with the code.
Singh informed that the amendments should be carried out without any further delay and within the stipulated timelines. NSFs were also informed that no further extension in timeline would be possible hereafter. It was also reiterated that failure to comply with the code by any NSFs would lead to their de-recognition. At the meeting, the official acknowledged that some NSFs have already amended their constitutions/bye-laws, which are being examined in the ministry.
Representatives of the NSFs, while appreciating the efforts of the ministry for holding the meeting, informed that they have already amended their constitutions and also assured that they will make further amendments if needed, as per the provisions of the code.
NSFs have also been asked by the ministry to furnish the information with regard to compliance of the code provisions on fortnightly basis to the ministry so that the Delhi High Court is also apprised of the same, as the matter is being monitored by the two-judge special bench.