UGC to pay for education to let sportspersons play

University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to provide financial assistance to medal winners in national games and participants in recognised international sport events to encourage sports persons to achieve higher levels of performance.

The scheme launched under the UGC's XII plan aims at assisting financially medal winners and brilliant sports persons who are studying in different universities and colleges pursuing all full-time regular courses, including post graduate diploma and other professional courses.

According to the UGC, to bring laurels to the country and for personal professional development in sports, youths have to spend out of limited personal time and resources to excel. The above scheme is launched to ensure that such youths are not deprived of an education and development of their sport.

Those eligible to avail the scholarship include medal winners of national games, participants in recognised international sporting events recognized by World University Service, International Olympic Committee and Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA), who have taken admission to different universities and colleges under UGC.

As per the central commission, there are two categories under which sportspersons will be given assistance. The first belongs to medal winners at Olympics, World Championship, Common Wealth Asian, Afro-Asian Games, Asian Championship, SAF Games and the second includes winners at national level games. While candidates in the first category will get actual fees when enrolled in undergraduate or post-graduate degree courses, the second category winners will receive 75% of the actual money spent on the course.

Similarly, for pursuing MPhil, MBA or other professional courses, the first category winners will be given Rs 7,500 per month in addition to reimbursement of the actual fees. The category two winners will be given Rs 5,000 plus the actual fee amount. UGC will bear fully hostel expenses (including boarding and lodging) of both category winners.

Moreover, sportspersons will also be provided financial assistance for buying kits. Allowances for special courses abroad will be given as per the Central government norms.

Universities and colleges that wish to promote sportspersons eligible for scholarship will have to submit a progress report regarding sports performance along with utilisation certificate of each student availing the scheme.

The UGC has also imposed the condition that students awarded the above scheme will not be debarred from accepting any other scholarships from any source.

UGC believes sports are not only institutional competitive activity but also help in grooming youths' behavior and qualities which help them in their social and emotional adjustment with the society at large irrespective of culture, religion or beliefs. It is not only a method of recreational growth and development but also helpful in integration of youth with the country's social order. Hence, the scheme will benefit the youth in development of their education as well as sports.