Dronas get raw deal in gifts

Hyderabad: While the Arjunas of sports get huge support, including cash rewards from the state government after making a mark at international arenas, the Dronacharyas behind the success of many sports stars get a raw deal.

While Telangana continues to make a major mark in sports, some 50 coaches and over 100 other staff who had retired serving the state sports authority are on a long wait for their pension for the months of March, April and May.

The sum required for this payment is about a crore. Retired coaches are unable to meet their family requirements, and are running from pillar to post, meeting officials and ministers for early release of the pending payment.

“We have represented the matter to ministers Harish Rao and Srinivas Goud. Despite assurances from them, there is no progress,” said retired employees welfare association secretary Venkata Narsimha.

Sports minister Srinivas Goud responded to a tweet from the retired employees on May 19, but the ministry is yet to take a call. The association members said they never felt the pinch all these years, particularly after the formation of Telangana.

The worst-affected are the retired Class 4 employees, for whose families the pension is vital for their survival. Among others, there are those who had served as clerks, superintendents and assistant directors, numbering around 35.

The officials who used to deal with these retired men are passing the buck and are suggesting that these pensioners pursue the matter and get the cheques signed by the finance secretary.

“We have dedicated our lives to training young sports enthusiasts who brought laurels to the state and the nation. Should we not get our due,” asked a retired coach.

Chairman of the Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS), Venkateshwar Reddy, was not available for his comments.