Role and Functions
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs takes care of the promotion of sports and games and youth welfare programmes. It also monitors the functioning of the District Sports Offices, State Olympic Association, State Level Sports Associations, District and Sub-Divisional Sports Associations and much more clubs and schools undertaking sports activities in the State. The Department also coordinates with the Sports Authority of India, North East Council, DONER; and the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of India. Plans and programmes for sports and youth development are chalked out and Government approval obtained before it is executed. Financial assistance as grant-in-aid is extended to State Level Associations/ District Level Association/Clubs and Schools to carry out sports and youth activities. Coaching programmes are also organized by the Directorate and sometime in collaboration with the State Associations before the teams are sent for participation at the Regional and National Level Tournaments. Organisation of Inter School tournaments to unearth talents at the School Level is a regular feature of the Directorate.
The Directorate also takes up the Government of India schemes like All India Rural Sports Tournaments, Sports Festival for Women, Promotion of Sports programme in the Schools, North East Sports Festival, School Games which requires a lot of funding from the State, specially for Block Level and State Level Competition and participation at the All India Tournament.
The Directorate also organizes Youth Welfare Programmes like Youth Festival for empowerment and capacity building of youth for realization of potentials of individuals,, Quiz Competition to increase knowledge and awareness, extempore competition, Debate and group discussion from major youth activity programmes. During Youth Camp, singing, dancing, intermingling with the different youths, music, culture and talent exposition to showcase different abilities is considered a priority. Initiation into vocational training and entrepreneurship skills are also imparted during such Camps.
Youth and risk taking and Adventure are considered synonymous and hence individuals and organizations taking up Adventure Programme like mountaineering, caving exploration, trekking, hiking etc. are supported financially to organize competition as well as to take part in the Regional and National Championships.