(a) whether the Government proposes to ensure and put in a smooth and hassle free procedure for female meritorious sportspersons to avail the benefits of the pension scheme after retirement which would play a vital role in hindering women from opting sports as their career;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[KIREN RIJIJU]
(a) to (c) : Yes Sir. A scheme namely ‘Sports Fund for Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons’ already exists under which sportspersons including female sportspersons, who have won medals for the country in international competitions are given lifelong pension to provide additional financial security to them after they retire from active sports career.
The amount of pension payable to different categories of meritorious sportspersons with effect from 01.04.2018 is as follows:
<pre>S. No. Category of meritorious sportspersons Rate of Pension(Rupees per month)
1. Medallists at the Olympic Games/Para Olympic Games 20,000
2. Gold medallists at the World Cup/World Championship in Olympic and Asian Games disciplines 16,000
3. Silver and Bronze medallists at the World Cup in Olympic and Asian Games disciplines 14,000
4. Gold medallists of the Asian/ Commonwealth Games/Para Asian Games 14,000
5. Silver and Bronze medallists of the Asian/Commonwealth Games/Para Asian Games 12,000</pre>
Details of the scheme along with application form to apply for the pension are available on the website of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Further, the details of the scheme have also been sent to Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, Sports Authority of India etc.
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