Parliament Question: Unutilization of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)

Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Sports LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1365 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2026 Unutilization of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) 1365. Smt. Sajda Ahmed: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken note of concerns regarding under- utilisation and improper utilisation of funds under the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF); (b) the details of allocation and actual utilisation of NSDF funds during the last five years and the current year, year-wise; (c) whether regular audits of the Fund are being conducted and if so, the details and findings thereof; and (d) the corrective measures taken by the Government to ensure transparency, accountability and effective utilisation of NSDF funds ? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [ DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA ] (a) to (d) The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890, aims to promote sporting excellence by supporting elite athletes, facilitating international training and exposure, organising national and international sporting events, and developing sports infrastructure. It complements flagship schemes like Khelo India by providing need-based financial assistance for high-performance sports and infrastructure, including a block grant to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for Olympic and Paralympic medal preparation. Page 1 of 2NSDF operates under a robust institutional and financial governance framework. Proposals are appraised as per approved guidelines, considered by the Executive Committee (EC), and ratified by the NSDF Council. Funds are released in a milestone-linked, phased manner, with subsequent instalments contingent upon submission and verification of Utilisation Certificates. Physical progress of infrastructure projects is monitored through periodic reports, including geo-tagged photographs, ensuring timely and eligible utilisation of funds. On the audit front, NSDF accounts are prepared annually in formats prescribed by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and audited yearly by a Chartered Accountant appointed with EC approval. The audited annual accounts are then submitted to the CAG for review, following which the CAG issues a draft Separate Audit Report (SAR). NSDF's reply to any findings/observations in the draft SAR is submitted for consideration, leading to finalisation of the SAR by the CAG. Together, this appraisal, approval, monitoring, and audit mechanism ensures that NSDF assistance is extended only for eligible activities and effectively contributes to the development of sports and sportspersons in the country. NSDF receives contributions through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), corporate houses and voluntary donations from individuals, which are matched by a 25% contribution from the Government. The details of receipts, including CSR and Government contribution, and utilisation of NSDF funds during the last five years and the current financial year are as under: (in ₹ crore) Financial Year Receipts (CSR + Govt. Allocation) Utilisation 2021-22 24.63 63.50 2022-23 63.99 65.49 2023-24 137.52 151.16 2024-25 89.93 101.57 2025-26 53.12 82.78 2026-27 15.84 27.21 Total 385.03 491.71 ***** Page 2 of 2