28 July : There is a Scheme of National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons living under indigent circumstances, for providing them with financial assistance. The rates of assistance under the scheme has been revised with effect from 01.07.2008, as follows:
(i) Eligibility Ceiling for outstanding sportspersons in indigent circumstances revised from Rs.36,000 per annum to Rs.2.00 lakh per annum.
(ii) Assistance for fatal injury to a sportsperson raised from Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs.5.00 lakh.
(iii) Assistance for sustaining injury other than a fatal injury enhanced from Rs.40,000 to Rs.2.00 lakh.
(iv) Pension for permanently incapacitated outstanding sportsperson increased from Rs.2500 per month to Rs.10,000 per month (proposed to be replaced by ex-gratia) .
(v) Pension in other cases enhanced from Rs.2,000 per month to Rs.8,000 per month (proposed to be replaced by ex-gratia).
(vi) Assistance to families of indigent sportspersons increased from Rs.40,000 to Rs.2.00 lakh.
(vii) Assistance for medical treatment increased from Rs.40,000 to Rs.2.00 lakh.
(viii) Assistance to eminent coaches, referees and umpires enhanced from Rs.20,000 to Rs.50,000.
As the amount of financial assistance have been enhanced substantially recently with effect from 01.07.2008, there is at present no proposal to hike the financial assistance provided to outstanding sports personalities in distress.