Private Companies and the Khelo India Push

The Indian government is urging private companies to participate in the Khelo India mission to bolster sports without mandating job reservations for sportspersons. Minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse states it's the prerogative of businesses to employ athletes, while the mission aligns with school policies to develop sports at the grassroots level.

The Indian government is making strides to engage private companies in the Khelo India mission, aimed at enhancing sports development nationwide. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, clarified that there is no mandatory policy for reserving jobs for sportspersons within these companies.

Khadse emphasized that the decision to employ sportspersons lies solely with private enterprises, responding to BJP member Mayankkumar Nayak's inquiry during the Rajya Sabha session. Although government ministries have specific reservation criteria, such mandates do not extend to the private sector.

Addressing queries from Congress member Digvijay Singh, Khadse mentioned the integration of sports facilitation with educational initiatives as part of Khelo India. This approach, in partnership with state governments, aims to nurture grassroots sports talent alongside educational pursuits in specially designed sports schools.

(With inputs from agencies.)