Special Olympic Jharkhand (SOJ) has come forward to help the family of Neha Rajak during the lockdown.

The Telegraph had reported in its April 26 edition how the mentally challenged power lifter had not got the Rs 4 lakh the Union sports and youth affairs ministry had promised her for winning four bronze medals for India at the Special Olympics International World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi last year, and how her family was suffering during the lockdown.

Acting on the report, SOJ assistant area director Satbir Singh Sahota has from his pocket provided Rs 5,000 and groceries for Neha’s family. Some other good Samaritans have also pitched in with groceries. The stock would last the family for two months.

“I deposited the money in Neha’s bank account on Monday and have also arranged groceries. We thought it is our duty to help out the family in crisis,” said Sahota.

The SOJ has requested Special Olympics Bharat (SOB), a national organisation working for the promotion of mentally impaired, to prod the Centre on Neha’s award.

“I have written to the SOB’s national sports director about Neha’s case,” Sahota said. “The ministry has already despatched the cheque but the beneficiary has not received it yet. Sports Authority of India (SAI) has also been requested to look into the matter. Neha should have got the money last month but because of the lockdown it couldn’t reach.”

The SOJ has also requested the national organisation to help Neha with Rs 20,000 as temporary relief. The money can be adjusted when she receives her cash award from the ministry.

Neha’s father thanked the SOJ for the help. “We were in difficulty and even arranging two meals a day was a problem. The money is a huge relief for us. We also thank the people who provided us grocery,” said Neha’s father Vinod, a washerman who lives in Sonari.