Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government will financially support athlete PU Chitra, whose exclusion from the World Athletic Championship, despite winning the Gold Medal in 1500m at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships, had created an uproar in the state.
Chitra had approached the Kerala High Court, alleging that its order directing the AFI to ensure her participation in the World Athletics Championships had not been complied with.
The state government had, then, assured Chitra of financial help. Acting on its promise, the cabinet on Wednesday decided to provide Chitra with a scholarship of Rs 10,000 per month. In addition to her scholarship, Chitra will also receive a daily allowance of Rs 500 for her training and food expenses.
The state government had even written to the Union Sports Minister and the Athletic Federation, urging them to include Chitra in 1500m.
Chitra hails from a poor family in Mundoor, Pallakad. Her brilliant performance over the over the past couple of years and poor background encouraged the government to offer her financial assistance, which will be made available by Kerala Sports Council.
Kerala government has also said that it will ensure expert coaching facilities to the athlete. The cabinet on Wednesday also decided to appoint footballer C K Vineeth on a post, at par with the post of a Secretariat Assistant.
Vineeth, who hails from Kannur in Kerala, was working with Accountant General Office in sports quota. He was terminated from his service recently due to the lack of attendance.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had appealed to the Union Government to reinstate the footballer, citing his training and matches as the reason for his long absence from the job. The appeal fell on deaf ears, and Vineeth was terminated from his government job.
The state government has decided to appoint Vineeth in State Government Services and will provide him with full support for his training and matches.
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