Sports Minister Uma Bharti today proposed introduction of code of conduct and bringing sports under concurrent list to free it from political and other interference and promote games in the country. Replying to supplementaries during question hour in the Rajya Sabha, she said her ministry was confronted with the problem of political interference in sports and the code of conduct was aimed at removing such irritants.

On concerns expressed by Ram Jethmalani over inadequate preparation for the Afro-Asian Games to be held in India, Bharti said the games would be held from November three and a meeting had already been held by her ministry to prepare for the games. Of the total Rs 70 crore expenditure for the games, the central government would allocate Rs 35 crore and the Indian Olympic Association Rs 20 crore. The rest would be generated internally, she said.

On the general poor performance by Indian sportspersons, Bharti asked Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi to allocate 10 per cent of the funds provided for education.

"Give me 10 per cent of the funds allocated for the Education Ministry and I can assure you India will be the top sporting nation within the text 10 years", she said. In reply, Joshi quipped "I have heard you", amidst laughter in the House. She also asked members to contribute a portion from the MPLAD scheme for sports development. On bringing sports sector under concurrent list, she said this proposal had found acceptance in some quarters.

© PTI