In a significant development, the Sports Ministry has immediately suspended the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), citing violations related to delayed elections and non-compliance with established guidelines. The order highlighted PCI’s failure to conduct timely elections for the new Executive Committee, contravening its constitution and the Sports Code.
The last elections in September 2019 faced legal challenges, with results declared on 31st January 2020 following a court order. The Sports Ministry, noting the Executive Committee’s term ending on 31st January 2024, criticized PCI for scheduling elections on 28th March 2024, violating both its constitution and the Sports Code.
The Ministry’s circular from 10th February 2015 mandated NSFs to hold elections one month before office bearers’ term expiry. PCI’s deviation and intentional delay led to suspension, undermining democratic processes and good governance principles.
Quoting the Sports Code, the Ministry noted failure to hold prescribed elections or non-compliance with government guidelines could lead to suspension. The government, emphasizing good governance, suspended PCI’s recognition.
Consequently, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is directed to collaborate with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to form an Ad Hoc Committee. Comprising administrators and sportspersons, it will oversee PCI’s operations and conduct transparent elections in adherence to the Sports Code and PCI’s constitution.