Sports veterans should be brought under ambit of Swasthya Sathi: CM

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has floated a proposal to bring retired sports personalities under the Swasthya Sathi scheme to ensure that they do not face any trouble getting proper treatment in the later part of their lives.

The Chief Minister proposed it while addressing the "Khelashree" programme of the state Youth Services and Sports department, that was held in Netaji Indoor Stadium on Wednesday. Many veteran and senior sports personalities were present at the programme and they appreciated the proposal of the Chief Minister.

Banerjee said: "The retired sports personalities can be brought under the Swasthya Sathi scheme of the state government."

She directed Sayeed Ahmed Baba, Principal Secretary of the state Youth Services and Sports department, to speak to senior concerned officials of the state Finance department in this connection.

Banerjee said that the retired sports personalities will get medical benefit of up to Rs 5 lakh per annum, once they are brought under the coverage of Swasthya Sathi scheme.

The Mamata Banerjee government has already taken several steps to support the sportsmen and women so that they can continue with their practices. At the same time, senior and veteran sports personalities were given proper respect by inviting them to different programmes of the state government and involving them for further development of sports and games in Bengal.

On Wednesday's programme, the Chief Minister gave Khel Samman award to 11 sports personalities, while 13 received Banglar Gourav award. Athlete Subhas Sarkar received Krira Guru Award and special honour was given to 12, including cricketer Jhulan Goswami and the football team of the 71st Santosh Trophy winner. Jibonkriti Samman award was given to Rita Sen and Arun Ghosh.

Now, the retired personalities of different sports and games are also going to get the benefits of the Swasthya Sathi scheme.

It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister has also proposed to incorporate television artists in the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which also ensures health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year for them. She had made the announcement while speaking at the Tele Academy Awards 2017-18 on January 18.