Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

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Context: The Union Government has announced to promote Rural sports under the aegis of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Programme.

Details

‘Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games’ under Khelo India Scheme is dedicated specifically to the encouragement of rural sports activities in the country.
Rural sports are also promoted under the aegis of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) Programme.
‘Sports’ being a State subject, the responsibility to develop special facilities to encourage meritorious children and youth in rural areas so that they also get an opportunity to play in national/international competitions and represent the nation rests primarily with the respective State/Union Territory Governments. The Union Government supplements their efforts.

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

“Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” was announced by the Prime Minister on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Finance Minister announced the initiative in his Budget Speech for 2016-17.
Through this innovative measure, the knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different States and UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between the States, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
All States and UTs will be covered under the programme.
There will be pairing of States/UTs at national level and these pairings will be in effect for one year, or till the next round of pairings.
The State/UT level pairings would be utilized for state level activities. District level pairings would be independent of the State level pairings.
The activity will be very useful to link various States and Districts in annual programmes that will connect people through exchanges in areas of culture, tourism, language, education trade etc. and citizens will be able to experience the cultural diversity of a much larger number of States/UTs while realizing that India is one.

Objectives of the initiative:

To celebrate the Unity in Diversity of our Nation and to maintain and strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people of our Country.
Promote the spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between all Indian States and Union Territories through a year-long planned engagement between States.
To promote the rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of either State for enabling people to understand and appreciate the diversity that is India, thus fostering a sense of common identity.
To create an environment which promotes learning between States by sharing best practices and experiences.