The Sports Ministry has changed the National Sports Governance Bill’s RTI-related clause, bringing only organizations that depend on government funding and support under its purview, according to a PTI report. This change may be seen as a relief to the BCCI.
“A recognized sports organization shall be considered as a public authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 with respect to the exercise of its functions, duties, and powers under this Act,” according to clause 15(2) of the bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 23 by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the report added.
The BCCI has been adamantly opposed to falling under the RTI since, unlike most other National Sports Federations (NSFs), the Board is not reliant on government funding.
That fear is essentially allayed by the bill’s proposed change.
“The amended clause defines public authority as an entity that is relying on government funds or assistance. With this amendment, there is a clear definition of what is a public authority,” the PTI report quoted a well-placed source as saying.
“If this had not been done, it would have been a grey area that could have led to the bill getting held up or being challenged in court. So anything that involves public money will come under RTI. It defines the specifics,” the source added.
“And even if a national sports body is not taking government funds, it can still be questioned if government assistance of any kind is involved in the conduct or operation of its events. Because government assistance is not merely funds, it is also about infrastructure,” he explained.
Prior to commenting on the bill’s provisions, the BCCI had previously said that it would analyze the legislation.
Since cricket is now an Olympic sport and will make its debut in the 2028 Games in the T20 format, the BCCI will need to register as an NSF once the bill becomes an act.
The bill stipulates that a National Sports Board (NSB) will establish a strict accountability framework and that all NSFs must obtain NSB registration in order to receive funds from the central government.
