The Hindu : Sport : Ministry approves enhanced pension for sportspersons

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Thursday, Jun 26, 2008
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Ministry approves enhanced pension for sportspersons

Special Correspondent

New definition for ‘outstanding sportsperson’ approved
Medical treatment limit increased

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved an enhanced pension scheme for ‘outstanding sportspersons’ and those living in indigent circumstances.

The General Committee that manages the National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons which met under the Chairmanship of Dr. M.S. Gill, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, while taking the decision on Wednesday, noted that the last revision was done in 1994.

The committee decided to raise the limit of income from all sources for being eligible for assistance from the fund from Rs. 3,000 per month to Rs. 2 lakh per year.

New definition

The committee also approved a new definition for ‘outstanding sportsperson’ as one who achieves a position within the top three in individual events or top two in team events in a recognized National championship or one who represents or has represented the country in an international competition at least twice.

The following decisions were taken: The existing limit of Rs. 1 lakh for a sportsperson’s family in case of sustaining a fatal injury by the sportsperson during training or participation in an international competition has been raised to Rs. 5 lakh.

The limit of Rs. 40,000 for other injuries has been raised to Rs. 2 lakh with a proviso that it would not be less than Rs. 10,000 in any case.

Monthly pension for an ‘outstanding sportsperson who is permanently incapacitated’ has been raised from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 10,000; monthly pension in other cases enhanced from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 8,000.

In both cases the period for which pension would be available (including life pension) would be determined by the committee. It was also decided that the period would in no case be less than five years. In the case of existing pensioners whose period is less than five years, it would be automatically raised to five years for the residual period and they would get the pension at the revised rates.

Under the scheme for assistance to families of sportspersons in indigent circumstances, it was decided to raise the limit from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2 lakh.

For medical treatment of ‘outstanding sportspersons’, the limit of financial assistance has been revised from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. Coaches, referees and umpires in indigent circumstances would be eligible for a lump sum financial assistance of Rs. 50,000. The revised scheme will come into effect on July 1.

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