Record-Breaking Budget Allocation For Ministry Of Youth Affairs In India’s 2023-24 Financial Year.

The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has placed a strong emphasis on sports and youth affairs. This has been reflected in the increased budget allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which has seen a rise from just Rs. 466 crores in 2004-05 to a whopping Rs. 3397.32 crores for the 2023-24 financial year.

The 11% increase in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is the highest ever since the 2010 Commonwealth Games were held in India. This is more than three times the budget allocation in 2011-12 and almost twice the budget allocation in 2014-15.

The budget allocation for the Sports Department is Rs. 2462.59 crore, compared to last year’s allocation of Rs. 2254 crore, while the allocation for the Department of Youth Affairs is Rs. 934.73 crore, compared to last year’s allocation of Rs. 808.60 crores.

Major organizations and schemes under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, such as Khelo India, Sports Authority of India, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, National Sports Federations, and National Service Scheme, have received substantial increases in their budget outlay for the coming year.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sh. Anurag Singh Thakur has applauded the Union Budget 2023-24 and expressed his gratitude to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for giving priority to the sports and youth sector. Shri Anurag Thakur noted the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in revamping the sports ecosystem in India, introducing successful schemes and programs, and making historic achievements in the country’s sporting history.

The Department of Youth Affairs is set to launch a new initiative, the Yuva Leadership Portal, aimed at reaching out to youth and improving their leadership skills and sense of responsibility towards society. The portal will connect young people with local bodies, small businesses, and cooperative societies, with a focus on digital and financial literacy. This project is expected to be completed and launched within the year.

The Ministry’s budget includes a capex provision of Rs. 935.68 crores (27% of the budget), which will go towards the creation of capital assets. The increased budget allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting sports and supporting the growth and development of the country’s youth