The state of grooming sporting talent in India can be guaged from the fact that around 500 posts for coaches at various training institutes run by the Sports Authority of India are lying vacant.

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Replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha, Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar also said the Nehru Yuva [Images] Kendra Sangathan was also running short of 165 youth co-ordinators.

Regarding the shortfall in coaches at SAI institutes, Aiyar informed that it had been allowed to hire coaches on contract basis.

"Based on a report submitted by the Staff Inspection Unit (SIU) in July 1998 recommending large scale reduction in the sanctioned strength of SAI, including coaches, the ministry made it incumbent on SAI to seek prior approval of the government before the creation of any post.

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"However, as an interim measure, SAI has been permitted to engage coaches on a contract basis, whenever required, and SAI is doing so," the Minister said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Answering a separate question, Aiyar said the NYKS had a sanctioned strength of 500 youth co-ordinators, but almost a third of the posts were lying vacant.

"The last recruitment of youth co-ordinators was made in 1994. NYKS initiated the process of recruitment in 1996-97, which was cancelled subsequently by the competent authority and later challenged in the Delhi High Court. The matter is still sub-judice," the reply said.

The 2008-09 Budget intends to provide for opening of Nehru Yuva Kendras under a district youth co-ordinator in each of the 123 districts of the country not presently covered by the scheme, Aiyar added.