Pension to Indigent Sportspersons of Odisha

Description
The Scheme relating to "Pension to Indigent Sportspersons of Odisha" was launched by the Department of Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha to provide financial support to sportspersons of yesteryears who are living in indigent conditions.

Benefits
• The eligible sportsperson will get ₹3,000/- per month as a pension.
• > **Pension to Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Pensioner:**
• Pension in favour of the surviving spouse of a deceased pensioner shall be sanctioned on a priority on receipt of application duly supported by death certificate, legal heir certificate, etc. The process of applying will be the same.
• > **Mode of payment:**
• The pension will be drawn from the Treasury & credited to the beneficiary's bank account every month (or upon such interval as decided by the Sports & Youth Services Department from time to time) through e-Transfer.

Eligibility Criteria
1. Applicant should be a permanent resident of the State of Odisha.
2. Applicant should be at least 50 years of age if a male and at least 40 years of age if a female, provided that the age limit, in either case, may be relaxed by a maximum period of 10 years if the sportsperson has been suddenly incapacitated by an injury or a physical handicap or a serious ailment resulting in premature withdrawal from active sports (Medical Board Certificate is mandatory for this case).
3. Applicant should have represented the State of Odisha in the sporting disciplines recognized by Sports & Youth Services Department as in [Annexure-I](https://sports.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-11/guidelinesforsportspension.PDF). 1. Applicant should not be having income from all sources exceeding ₹50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand) only per annum (Income Certificate from the Revenue authority shall be treated as an authentic source).
4. Applicant should be free from conviction in any criminal offence.
5. **Note:** The age will be counted as on the date of application.
6. > **Cessation of Pension:**
7. Pension shall be ceased on the death of the pensioner. (However, if the spouse of the deceased pensioner is alive, he/she may apply for the same).
8. A pensioner may also voluntarily give up availing of the pension at any time.
9. Pension can also be ceased by this Department if, on inquiry, it is found that the pensioner is leading a comfortable life, i.e. he/she is not in any indigent condition. In such a case, the Department also reserves the right to take appropriate legal/administrative action for recovery of the total amount already availed by the beneficiary in the name of pension along with 18% annual interest.
10. Pension can also be ceased by this Department if, on inquiry, it is established that the pensioner is getting a pension by resorting to unfair or fraudulent means.

Required Documents
• In the month of January each year, the pensioners shall personally appear before the District Sports Officer of the concerned district and furnish a Life Certificate in the form as in Annexure-IV.
• The DSO will forward/upload the same to the Sports & Youth Services Department by 10th February of each year for renewal of pension, failing which pension shall not be renewed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of this pension scheme?
A: The objective of the scheme is to provide financial support to sportspersons of yesteryears who are living in indigent conditions.

Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: Department of Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha

Q: Who is eligible for this pension?
A: To qualify, individuals must be permanent residents of Odisha, aged at least 50 for males and 40 for females. Age limits may be relaxed by up to 10 years in case of incapacitation due to injury, physical handicap, or serious ailment with a mandatory Medical Board Certificate.

Q: Is there an income limit for eligibility?
A: Yes, the annual income of the applicant should not exceed [?]50,000/-.

Q: What is the quantum of pension provided under the scheme?
A: Each pensioner receives [?]3,000/- per month.

Q: What are the conditions for Cessation of Pension?
A: Cessation of Pension:
* Pension shall be ceased on the death of the pensioner. (However, if the spouse of the deceased pensioner is alive, he/she may apply for the same).
* A pensioner may also voluntarily give up availing of the pension at any time.
* Pension can also be ceased by this Department if, on inquiry, it is found that the pensioner is leading a comfortable life, i.e. he/she is not in any indigent condition. In such a case, the Department also reserves the right to take appropriate legal/administrative action for recovery of the total amount already availed by the beneficiary in the name of pension along with 18% annual interest.
* Pension can also be ceased by this Department if, on inquiry, it is established that the pensioner is getting a pension by resorting to unfair or fraudulent means.

Q: Is Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Pensioner eligible for the Pension?
A: Yes, Pension in favour of the surviving spouse of a deceased pensioner shall be sanctioned on a priority on receipt of application duly supported by death certificate, legal heir certificate, etc. The process of applying will be the same.

Q: What will be the mode of payment?
A: The pension will be drawn from the Treasury & credited to the beneficiary's bank account every month (or upon such interval as decided by the Sports & Youth Services Department from time to time) through e-Transfer.

Q: How can I apply for the sports pension?
A: To apply online, visit the official web portal at https://portal.sportsodisha.gov.in/Citizen/Registration.

Q: What if I fail to submit the Life Certificate by the deadline?
A: Failure to submit the Life Certificate by the specified deadline will result in the non-renewal of the pension.