Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Monday hit out at the BCCI saying that the Indian Cricket Board needs to be more accountable in its functioning. He told reporters in New Delhi that the proposed Bill was intended to make sports bodies more transparent and efficient and was in no way an attempt to take control of these National Sports Federations.Mr. Maken said that he was particularly disappointed with the opposition to the Bill by cricket administrators and said, federations need to be brought under the ambit of the Right to Information Act for greater accountability. He said that government is in favour of transparency and efficiency in their functioning, since they are sending teams outside India representing the country, they should be answerable to all Indians through RTI.He said that the BCCI should point out what provisions are intrusive in nature and which clauses will have government control. Explaining the nuances of the Bill, Mr. Maken said, having sportspersons in administration is a step towards transparency. Mr. Maken said, after receiving Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting which discussed the Bill on Tuesday, the Ministry will start reworking on the Bill and place it before the Cabinet again.He expressed hope that the Bill will get the nod of the Cabinet next time. He made it clear that his sole intention is to bring about transparency and accountability in sports and is convinced that the Bill will serve the purpose.
News On AIR | September 1, 2011 9:39 AM
Maken hits at BCCI, says it needs to be more accountable