Maken sanctions ex-gratia assistance to former cricket coach

New Delhi: Sports minister Ajay Maken has sanctioned ex-gratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh to a former cricket coach, Virender Bhatnagar from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons.

It came to the notice of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports that Bhatnagar was undergoing treatment at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in the Capital but he was not in a good financial condition. The Ministry also found out that it was difficult for the former coach to meet the expenses of his medical treatment. Taking cognizance of the financial condition, the Sports Minister sanctioned the ex-gratia to Bhatnagar. The Scheme of National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons provides for lump sum financial assistance to outstanding sportspersons, coaches etc., of the yesteryears, who are at present living in indigent circumstances. PTI