The state government has taken note of the problems faced by special powerlifter Neha Rajak.

Acting on a report published by The Telegraph in its April 26 edition on how Neha and her parents were surviving the lockdown by eating starch-rice and how her prize money promised by the Centre could have helped them during this crisis, the state sports department has decided to award her Rs 2 lakh for her on-field exploits.

Intellectually impaired Neha, a resident of Sonari, clinched four bronze medals while representing the country in the Special Olympics International World Summer Games held in Abu Dhabi last year. The sports department has sought Neha’s medal certificates and other papers, including her disability certificate, to release money from the sports welfare fund.

Two representatives visited Neha’s home in Sonari on Monday evening on the instructions of the sports director to get the required documents. Sports director Anil Kumar Singh said over phone from Ranchi that they went through The Telegraph report and decided to reach out to Neha.

“Neha’s papers will be processed once we get them. It will be put before the committee at the meeting after the Covid-19 crisis ends. Neha stands to get Rs 2 lakh under the scheme,” he said.

The Sports Welfare Fund Scheme for Sportspersons is chaired by the sports secretary and includes representatives from the Sports Authority of India and functionaries from the state sports associations. The fund is released after necessary sanction and approval from the committee.

Singh said Neha’s family was perhaps not aware about the government’s scheme otherwise she would have got the money by now. “Anyhow, the special athlete will get her dues in due course of time,” the sports director said. Neha’s father Vinod, a washerman who works at a laundry in Bistupur, said they have submitted the documents and are happy to know that his daughter will receive the money from the government.