THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has come to the support of sportspersons P U Chitra and C K Vineeth. While Chitra has been provided a scholarship, Vineet will be appointed in the government service. The cabinet on Wednesday announced a monthly scholarship of Rs 10,000 to Chitra, who was excluded from the Indian squad for the World Championship. She will be given an additional daily allowance of Rs 500 for training and food expenses, taking the total amount to around Rs 25,000. The scholarship is being given through the Elite scheme of the Sports Council.
Chitra, who won gold in 1500-m race in Asian Athletics Championship, was excluded from the World Athletics Championship squad. Coming from a financially weak background, she has won many national and international gold medals. The government decided to support Chitra in view of her brilliant performance and her family background.
The scholarship and financial assistance are being given through the State Sports Council. The government has promised her full support for getting expert coaching facilities. In another major decision, the cabinet decided to induct footballer Vineeth to the state government service, in a post equivalent to that of Secretariat Assistant.
Vineeth was working with the Accountant General Office. Recently he was terminated from service stating irregular attendance in office. Following this, the Chief Minister had appealed the Centre to reinstate him. The CM pointed out Vineeth’s absence from office was due to his training and match schedule.