What is the anti-doping bill that Lok Sabha just passed?

On Wednesday (July 27), Lok Sabha unanimously passed the national anti-doping bill. The bill seeks to create a statutory framework in the form of legislation for prohibition of doping in sports in the country. It was passed with an official voice note with certain amendments made by the government.

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur said that the bill would promote sports and protect the interests of the sportspersons, news agency PTI reported.

"अब भारत ऐसे गिनेचुने देशों में शामिल होगा जिसका एंटी-डोपिंग कानून भी है और टेस्टिंग लैब भी होगा। खिलाड़ियों के सैम्पल्स भेजने को लेकर दूसरे देशों पर निर्भरता कम होगी। यह विधेयक आत्मनिर्भर भारत को बल देगा’’

- श्री @ianuragthakur ,राष्ट्रीय डोपिंग रोधी विधेयक, 2021 #LokSabha pic.twitter.com/pGW0KUHHhf

— Office of Mr. Anurag Thakur (@Anurag_Office) July 27, 2022

The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December last year and had gone undergone the scrutiny of parliamentary committee.

What is doping? It is the consumption of banned and prohibited substances by athletes to enhance their performances. Basically, there are five types of banned drugs called doping classes with stimulants and hormones being the most common ones.

Though the use of these substances boosts the performance of the sportspersons, it also involves serious health risks and that is why they are banned by sports governing bodies.

What are the rules laid in the bill? The bill prohibits athletes, athletes' personnels and other persons from engaging in doping in the sport. The support personnel includes coach, trainer, manager, team staff, medical personnel and other staff working with or treating or assisting an athlete.

There should be no violation of these rules by the athletes as mentioned in the bill:

•    No presence of prohibited substances or their markers on athlete’s body.
•    Use, attempted use or possession of prohibited substances and methods
•    Refusing to submit a sample
•    Trafficking or attempted trafficking in prohibited substances or methods.
•    Aiding or covering any such violations

What are the consequences of disqualification?

•    Disqualification of results including forfeiture of medals, points and prizes.
•    Ineligibility to participate in a competition or event
•    Financial sanctions
•    Other consequences as may be prescribed.

NADA a statutory body: The bill also seeks to set National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) as a legal statutory body which will be headed by a Director General appointed by the central government.

Currently, the anti-doping rules are implemented by the NADA which was established as a society. 

The work of this statutory body would be to plan, implement and monitor anti-doping activities and investigate other anti-doping violations. 

National board for anti-doping in sports: The bill also establishes a national board for anti-doping in sports to make recommendations to the government on anti-doping regulations and to comply with the international commitments on anti-doping.

The board will have a chairperson and two members appointed by the central government.