Pensions for nat'l-level sportspersons to be hiked: M S Gill

Shivpuri, MP, Oct 6 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Sports and former chief election commissioner M S Gill today said that efforts were underway to enhance honoraria and pensions for national-level sportspersons.

''The amount given to National Volunteer Service Scheme members has been enhanced from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500. Efforts are underway to increase award amounts to 'yuva mandals','' he said while addressing the Nehru Yuva Kendra's state-level convention at this district headquarters.

Pointing out that the district had limitless possibilities for tourism, sports, especially adventure sports, Dr Gill assured that efforts would be made to set up a national institution here for the twin objectives.

''My childhood was spent here. I have observed the Shivpuri National Park, the historic Narwar Fort and Surwaya Garhi very closely. If fast trains directly link these places to Delhi then more tourists will be able to visit them and employment opportunities will also increase,'' he felt.

Mentioning that better results in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games would be possible only through encouraging rural talent, Dr Gill pointed out that India's Olympic medallists at Beijing were from rural backgrounds.

He presented the Sarvashresht Yuva Mandal award, carrying a cash component of Rs 25,000 to Vidisha's Shivshakti Seva Mandal. Sehore's Renu Dhanti and Gwalior's Rajesh Katare were presented Rs 15,000 each.

UNI XC-AC 2113