Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anurag Dhanda has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Haryana of discontinuing the diet allowance for approximately 37,000 athletes in the state for the last ten months. Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Dhanda criticized the government for providing what he called “absurd” reasons to deny pension payments to over 75,000 senior citizens in Haryana.

Haryana: A Hub of Sporting Excellence

Dhanda emphasized Haryana’s historical significance in producing national sports talent, noting that many athletes representing India on international platforms like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games hail from the region. He expressed concern over the apparent lack of support for these athletes, questioning whether their accomplishments were only valued during election speeches.

Athletes and Coaches Facing Financial Hardships

The AAP leader pointed out that the athletes who dedicate their time and effort to sports are now facing financial difficulties, particularly as their diet allowance has not been provided for an extended period. He further remarked that the coaches who train these players have also not received their salaries for the same duration, raising concerns about their ability to sustain proper training and nutrition. Dhanda questioned, “Should the athletes focus on finding meals or honing their skills?”

Impact on Sports Nurseries and Training Regimens

Dhanda also raised issues regarding the management of sports nurseries designed to nurture grassroots talent. He claimed that the Haryana government frequently closes these nurseries for two months each year, impeding athletes’ training schedules. He asked rhetorically, “Does any athlete prepare for international medals by taking a two-month break?”

Concerns About Pension Payments

In addition to the plight of athletes, Dhanda discussed the alleged suspension of pension payments to over 75,000 elderly residents in the state. He described a situation where pension applications are denied based on the overall family income as recorded in the Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family Identity Card). According to him, the government deems farmers who record crop sales worth three lakh rupees as affluent, thus ineligible for pensions.

Increasing Frustration Among Elderly Citizens

Dhanda highlighted the growing frustration among senior citizens and their families as they queue at government offices to inquire about their missing pension payments. He noted that reasons for pension suspensions often involve discrepancies in documentation, such as mismatches in names, surnames, or ages, which he believes should not affect an individual’s right to support.

The accusations levied by Anurag Dhanda present a significant critique of the current administration’s approach towards both athletes and the elderly population, drawing attention to the pressing issues facing these communities in Haryana.