Rural Sports Programme
 

The scheme of Rural Sports Programme, launched in the year 1970-71 with a view to broadbasing games and sports and tapping the hidden talent available in rural areas, was being operated by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. The Department was also operating another scheme, namely, 'Special Scheme for Sports Activities among the Backward Tribes'. The present scheme is an improvement over the earlier schemes as, apart from arranging tournaments in rural areas, it also puts emphasis on encouraging club culture in rural areas, and includes a special programme for the north eastern region, namely, the North East Sports Festival.