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This scheme by the Odisha Government's Sports & Youth Services Department provides a monthly pension to former Read More... sportspersons who are facing financial hardship. Read less
Details
For many athletes, their prime years are spent representing their state with pride. But what happens when those days are over and financial struggles set in? The Odisha government understands this and has introduced a special pension scheme for sportspersons who are now in indigent conditions.
What Is This Scheme?
The 'Pension to Indigent Sportspersons of Odisha' scheme is an initiative by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha. Its main goal is to offer financial assistance to old-time sportspersons who are currently in a difficult financial situation.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is designed for sportspersons who have a history of representing Odisha in recognized sports disciplines but are now struggling financially. It aims to provide them with a steady income to lead a dignified life.
Why This Scheme Is Important
This pension scheme acknowledges the contributions of past sportspersons and ensures they are not forgotten. It provides a crucial safety net, offering financial stability to those who dedicated their lives to sports but are now in need, ensuring they can live comfortably without financial worries.
Objective
Benefits
- The scheme offers a Post-doctoral fellowship of ₹45,000/- + 10% HRA per month along with an annual contingency grant of ₹75,000/-.
- Duration of the Fellowship is limited to a maximum of 2 years.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- Male applicants should be at least 50 years old, and female applicants should be at least 40 years old. This age limit can be extended by up to 10 years if a sportsperson had to retire early due to an injury, physical handicap, or serious illness. A Medical Board Certificate is mandatory in such cases.
- You must have represented Odisha in sports recognized by the Sports & Youth Services Department. A list of these sports is available in Annexure-I.
- Your total annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹50,000/-. An Income Certificate from the Revenue authority will be considered the official proof.
- You should not have any criminal convictions.
Note: Your age will be calculated as of the date you submit your application.
Cessation of Pension
Your pension may stop if:
- You pass away. (Your spouse can apply for the pension thereafter).
- You voluntarily decide to stop receiving the pension.
- An inquiry finds you are living comfortably and are no longer in indigent condition. In such cases, the Department reserves the right to recover all pension amounts received with 18% annual interest.
- It is proven that you obtained the pension through fraudulent means.
How To Apply
To apply for the pension, you can visit the official web portal and follow the steps outlined. Ensure all necessary documents are ready for submission.
Official Application Link: https://portal.sportsodisha.gov.in/Citizen/Registration
Official Guidelines: For detailed guidelines, please refer to https://sports.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-11/guidelinesforsportspension.PDF
Documents Required
- A copy of your Aadhaar Card.
- Birth Certificate.
- Recent photographs.
- A photocopy of your Bank Passbook.
- Disability Certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of income (Income Certificate from Revenue authority).
- Sports/achievements Certificates.
- Any other documents as may be required by the department.
Life Certificate
Each year, in the month of January, pensioners must personally appear before the District Sports Officer of their district to submit a Life Certificate. This certificate (Annexure-IV) needs to be submitted/uploaded by the DSO to the Sports & Youth Services Department by February 10th for pension renewal. Failure to do so will result in non-renewal of your pension.
Official Sources
For detailed guidelines and forms, please refer to:
https://sports.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-11/guidelinesforsportspension.PDF
FAQ’s
What's the main aim of the 'Pension to Indigent Sportspersons of Odisha' scheme?
The scheme's primary goal is to provide financial help to former sportspersons who are now living in difficult financial circumstances.
Can the pension amount be transferred to a spouse if the original pensioner passes away?
Yes, absolutely. The surviving spouse can apply for the pension. Their application will be handled with priority once they submit the death certificate, legal heir certificate, and other necessary documents. The application process itself is the same.
What happens if I don't submit my Life Certificate on time?
If you miss the deadline for submitting your Life Certificate, your pension will not be renewed for that year.
How will the pension money be paid out?
The pension money will be sent directly to your bank account through e-Transfer. This will happen every month, or at other intervals as decided by the Sports & Youth Services Department.
Who is responsible for launching this pension scheme?
This scheme was introduced by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha.
Are there any age relaxations for applying to this scheme?
Yes, the age limit can be relaxed by up to 10 years. This applies if a sportsperson had to stop their active career early due to an injury, physical handicap, or a serious illness. A Medical Board Certificate is required to avail this relaxation.
What is the monthly pension amount provided under this scheme?
Beneficiaries of the scheme will receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000/-.
What are the reasons why a pension might be stopped?
A pension can be ceased if the pensioner passes away, if they voluntarily choose to give it up, or if an inquiry reveals they are no longer in indigent condition. The pension can also be stopped if it's found that it was obtained through fraudulent means. In cases of comfortable living or fraud, the department may seek recovery of the pension paid along with interest.
What is the maximum annual income allowed to be eligible for this pension?
To be eligible, your total income from all sources in a year should not be more than ₹50,000/-.
Besides representing Odisha, what else do I need to qualify for this pension?
You need to be a permanent resident of Odisha. Male applicants must be at least 50 years old, and females at least 40. Also, your annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹50,000, and you must not have any criminal convictions.
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