In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today he said, the detailed position is available with the National Sports Federations (NSFs).
However, the position in respect of some sports disciplines is available with the Ministry.
While the All India Tennis Association has informed that there is no shortage of women umpires/match officials for tennis, some other NSFs namely Table Tennis Federation of India, Yachting Association of India and Rowing Federation of India have informed that they have very few women umpires/ match officials for their discipline of sports.
Also, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed that there are very few women umpires/match officials in cricket. Some of the main reasons for the shortage appear to be lack of training facilities and limited availability of women for umpiring as a career.
Shri Singh said, ‘Sports’ is a State subject. Moreover, development and promotion of various disciplines of sports including grooming and training of umpires/referees and other match officials is the responsibility of the National Sports Federation (NSF) which are autonomous in their functioning.
The Central Government only supplements their efforts by way of releasing grants for Sports Infrastructure, providing financial assistance for participation in international competitions abroad, holding international competitions in India, conducting national championships, purchase of equipments, conducting coaching camps, etc.
The Minister said, in order to encourage sportspersons including women to pursue sports coaching and umpiring as a career, the Government has revised the Scheme relating to Talent Search and Training under which match officials, Coaches and supporting personnel will be assisted for undergoing specialized training in the relevant disciplines/areas.
Recently the Sports Authority of India has recruited 174 Assistant Coaches in various sports disciplines. Out of them 35 are women. The government also provides assistance to the deserving athletes including women under the scheme of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).
The existing schemes of the Government and SAI aim at encouraging women to participate in sports. Government organizes competition exclusively for women under the scheme of Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA), the Minister added.
