The Lok Sabha on July 27 passed the National anti-doping bill to provide a statutory framework in the form of legislation for prohibition of doping in sports in the country.
Salient features of National anti-doping bill
- It seeks to give effect to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) International Convention against doping in sports and compliance with such other obligations and commitments.
- The bill provides for a statutory framework for the operation of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), the National Dope Testing Laboratory and other dope testing laboratories.
- Already, the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) has been performing anti-doping measures as per the World Anti-Doping Agency norms. It was felt that legislative powers would lend teeth to stop doping. Its functions include planning, implementing, and monitoring anti-doping activities as well as investigating anti-doping rule violations.
- The Bill also 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.
- The bill attempts to achieve, time-bound justice to athletes, apart from enhancing cooperation among agencies in fighting doping. It is also an attempt to reinforce India’s commitment to fulfil international obligations for clean sports.
- The bill would help in establishing a robust, independent mechanism for anti-doping adjudication.
- The bill also would lend legal sanctity to the functioning of NADA and National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL).
- The legislation prohibits athletes, athlete support personnel, and other persons from engaging in doping in sports.
- Under the new legislation, violation of anti-doping rules may result in disqualification of results including forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes, ineligibility to participate in a competition or event for a prescribed period, and financial sanctions.
