Indian Parliament passes National Anti-Doping Bill

The bill provides for planning, implementing, and monitoring anti-doping activities as well as investigating anti-doping rule violations.

The Bill proposes to establish the National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports with a view to make recommendations to the government on anti-doping regulations and compliance with international commitments on anti-doping. The board will oversee the activities of NADA and issue directions to it.

Participating in the discussion, Biju Janata Dal's Amar Patnaik said many Indian athletes take Ayurvedic and homoeopathic medicines without knowing they might include banned substances. "Our realities are different and that has to be factored into this Bill," Patnaik said.

In her maiden speech, nominated Rajya Sabha member PT Usha said a high number of doping cases in India is a serious concern and this needs to be addressed.

"We are yet to open our eyes to doping abuse in our country. What was once confined only to the senior national levels has now reached junior, college, and school levels too," she said.

CPI (M) MP John Brittas said budgetary allocation for sports should be increased.

He also suggested that the ministry should consult PT Usha to understand the resources required by sportspersons, as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

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