Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Thursday reiterated his ministry's stand that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should come under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Addressing a press conference on exposure draft of the National Youth Policy 2012 here, Maken said his ministry had approached the Central Information Commission (CIC) with a request to include the BCCI under RTI.
“Various State governments have given land (for construction of stadia) to the BCCI. Between 1996 and 2006, the BCCI has got tax exemption of Rs. 365 crore and that is all public money.
“Besides, it is selecting the team as India. For all these reasons, it cannot call itself a private body,” said Maken.
Asked about the possibility of five-time World chess champion Vishwanathan Anand being backed by the Sports Ministry for Bharat Ratna, Maken said his ministry would not promote any particular sportsperson for the award.
“The Prime Minister will decide which sportsperson from which game will get the award. We will be happy in case any sportsperson gets the award…It's like asking a mother which of her sons is dearer to her. Like a mother, I cannot say which sportsperson should get Bharat Ratna first,” said the Minister.
Maken, meanwhile, informed that as per the existing policy Anand would stand to get Rs. 10 lakh for winning the world title.
On the build-up for the London Olympics, Maken said India had a better chance in the mega event.
“Last time 56 athletes had qualified for the Beijing Olympics. This time, 73 athletes have already qualified and we expect the number to go up to 85. That gives me a sense of satisfaction as well as expectation,” said Maken.
