Implementation of corrective actions in SAI training center

Implementation of corrective actions in SAI training centers in the wake of the Suicide Attempt by four Girl trainees in SAI centre at Alappuzha

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has asked DG, Sports Authority of India (SAI) to implement the following corrective actions in SAI training centers in the wake of the suicide attempt by four girl trainees in SAI centre at Alappuzha immediately primarily to ensure the well-being of inmates in its centres. The corrective actions have been formulated by the Ministry after examining the report submitted by DG, SAI to the Ministry earlier on the said incident.

I. SAI should empanel counseling psychologists to visit its centers once in a fortnight or once in a month, as may be required, for the purpose of group counseling as well as one-on-one counseling.

II. All girls hostels must compulsorily have a full-time Lady Warden.

III. All SAI centers should preferably be run at least by Assistant Director (AD) level officers. Vacant posts of ADs may be filled based on relevant Recruitment Rules (RR) / MYAS guidelines. For remaining positions, officers eligible for promotion as per RR to the post of AD may be deputed for running the SAI centres as per seniority. No post of AD should be created for this purpose since cadre review is being proposed by SAI and also because SAI has been referring the issue of Grade Pay of ADs to MYAS for which the matter is still pending. As far as possible, Coaches should not be made in-charge of a SAI centre.

IV. Yoga should be introduced as a compulsory activity in all SAI centers, as it would have a salutary effect on holistic development and emotional well-being of SAI trainees. Part-time Yoga instructors may be engaged for this purpose. Organizations imparting Yoga courses should be roped in to provide training on Yoga.

V. Two-day module on sports psychology should be prepared in consultation with AIIMS and introduced in all SAI centers.

VI. Iconic sportspersons should be requested to adopt SAI centers and act as SAI Trainee Mentors so as to inspire young SAI trainees and also enable them to emulate the qualities of their role model. The sportspersons may adopt a SAI centre each as per their choice and visit it once in a quarter. Apart from interacting with the trainees, they should also provide feedback to SAI for bringing about continuous improvement.

VII. A 24X7 Helpline should be introduced for SAI trainee related grievance redressal, especially for reporting the cases of sexual harassment and ragging.

VIII. Security should be hired for all SAI hostels.

IX. Parent Coach Administrator Meet (P-CAM) should be held at least once in three months.

X. SAI Governing body members should visit at least one SAI centre in a quarter for strong supervision.

XI. A robust institutionalised mechanism should be put in place to maintain close rapport and coordination with the State Sports department.

XII. All eligible SAI trainees should be covered under the newly introduced Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). The remaining should be covered under normal insurance scheme. All SAI trainees, including day boarding trainees should be assisted for opening bank account.

XIII. Suitable recreational facilities may be provided at all the SAI centers.

Expenditure on these measures will be met from the allocated budget of SAI.