Sports Authority of India Records 33 Sexual Harassment Complaints Over Past Decade
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has received a total of 33 complaints alleging sexual harassment against its coaches and administrative staff over the last ten years, according to official data presented in Parliament. This significant figure suggests a growing willingness among female athletes to come forward and report such serious issues within the sporting ecosystem.
Breakdown of Complaints and Disciplinary Actions
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya provided these details in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The data reveals a concerning concentration of allegations:
- 25 complaints were specifically filed against coaches employed by SAI.
- 8 complaints were lodged against administrative staff members.
Based on the findings of inquiry committees, disciplinary measures have been implemented. For the coaches involved:
- Six coaches received suspensions.
- Six coaches faced minor penalties.
- The contracts of two coaches were terminated.
Regarding the administrative staff cases, one resulted in the permanent withholding of full gratuity under Rule 9 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. The remaining cases were closed without penalty, with two cases still pending resolution.
Appeals and Parliamentary Inquiry
The minister's submission further noted that eight appeals have been filed by either complainants or the accused coaches against the decisions or recommendations of the inquiry committees. This indicates that some parties were dissatisfied with the initial outcomes. No appeals were filed concerning the administrative staff cases.
This information was disclosed in response to questions posed by Members of Parliament Adhikari Deepak Dev and Raja Ram Singh. The MPs had sought details on the total number of sexual harassment complaints against officials, coaches, and support staff associated with the ministry, SAI, affiliated national sports federations (NSFs), SAI centers, and other sports institutions over the past decade and the current year.
Limitations in Data Collection and Institutional Mechanisms
Minister Mandaviya clarified that the ministry does not maintain centralized data on complaints filed by sportspersons directly with the concerned sports federations or bodies. He emphasized that NSFs are voluntary bodies registered under acts like the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and are governed by their own constitutions and grievance redressal mechanisms.
However, he assured that the ministry and its subordinate organizations, including SAI, have established Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs). These committees are designed to ensure that all employees, trainees, and athletes have access to a formal mechanism for addressing complaints related to sexual harassment. Notably, the minister stated that no complaints of sexual harassment have been filed against officials directly under the ministry's purview during the specified ten-year period and the current year.
The revelation of these 33 complaints, particularly the high proportion against coaches, underscores ongoing challenges in safeguarding athletes and highlights the critical role of institutional accountability and robust complaint mechanisms in Indian sports.
