Khel Shakti Programme is a major initiative launched by the Government of India to empower young people through sports. The program functions as a robust sports empowerment initiative in India, offering students improved sports training and quality facilities. Additionally, the Khel Shakti Programme contributes to the development of a healthy sports culture throughout the country. It provides a comprehensive platform for young children, school students, and young athletes with talent to learn new skills and gain confidence. Understanding khel shakti benefits gives clarity on how this scheme is paving the way for the future of Indian sports.
What is Khel Shakti Programme?
Khelo India Programme is an initiative of Government of India which is national mission for development of sports at grassroots level. The objective of Khelo India Programme is to establish a robust sports culture at the national level and provide all necessary support and encouragement to young and budding talent in the country to make them play sports at the earliest and to provide world-class training, coaching, and infrastructure.
Players with talent are shortlisted by a High-Powered Committee and they are given ₹5 lakh every year for a period of 8 years which can be used for training, sports equipment and participating in events. The programme is also focusing on upgrading sports infrastructure such as fields, training centers and sports curriculum at school and college levels.
There are 12 verticals under Khelo India Programme namely SAI and NSFs, Talented Players, School Games, Rural Sports, Coaches Development, Sports Science & Medicine, Sports Exchange, etc.
Objectives of Khel Shakti Programme
The programme has several key objectives. Each of these has helped shape its implementation and impact.
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Identify Talent: Finding out young and talented athletes at the grassroots level.
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Infrastructure Development: Building and upgrading of sports facilities across the country.
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Promote Sports Culture: Widespread encouragement for participation in physical activities.
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Nurture Athletes: Structured training and coaching for the identified talent.
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Enhance Performance: To assist the athletes to perform at national and international levels.
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Encourage Traditional Sports: Support and promotion of indigenous sports and martial arts.
Key Components of Khel Shakti Programme
The Khel Shakti Programme works through the following components. Each one of them is key in shaping the overall success of the programme.
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Village/Block Level Sports Infrastructure: This is the creation of basic sports facilities. This includes the building of playgrounds and multi-purpose sports complexes.
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Talent Search and Nurturing: Scouting and searching for talent from the remote areas. It is also provision of scholarships and stipends.
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Training and Coaching: Providing quality and certified coaches and modern training methods. This also includes specialised academies for training.
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Equipment Provision: Supplying of necessary sports equipment to both the participants and the facilities.
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Organising Competitions: Regular competitions for the participants organised at the local, district and state levels.
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Promotion of Specific Sports: This is the developing of specific Olympic and traditional sports.
Khel Shakti Benefits
The khel shakti programme targets a broad spectrum of the population. Its focus remains on youth and aspiring athletes.
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Rural Youth: Young individuals from villages and remote areas.
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Aspiring Athletes: Those with potential to excel in various sports.
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Local Communities: Encouraging sports participation at the community level.
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Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges that foster sports talent.
Funding and Implementation of Khel Shakti Programme
The Khel Shakti Programme relies on a collaborative funding model. It ensures wide reach and sustainable development.
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Central Government Assistance: The Union Government provides significant financial support.
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State Government Partnership: State governments also contribute funds and manage implementation locally.
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Public-Private Partnerships: Involvement of private entities for additional resources and expertise is also considered.
Key Mechanisms of Khel Shakti Programme
The program follows a systematic approach for implementation. This ensures efficient delivery of its objectives.
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Identification: Local committees identify potential sporting talent. They use various scouting camps.
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Infrastructure Creation: Funds are allocated for building new facilities. Existing ones are upgraded.
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Training Camps: Regular training camps are organized. These camps feature expert coaches.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous assessment tracks progress. It also ensures proper resource utilization.
Funding Rules
Specific rules govern the financial aspect of the program. These rules ensure transparency and accountability.
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Central Share: The Central Government typically provides a major portion of funds. This can be 60-90% based on the state category.
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State Share: State governments contribute the remaining share. They also ensure timely release of funds.
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Utilization Certificates: Implementing agencies must submit utilization certificates. These confirm proper use of funds.