leader of Opposition in the lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj on Saturday highlighted in the House the plight of the family of Arjuna awardee Makhan Singh, whose widow is willing to auction his medals for money to make both ends meet.
“He is the one who defeated another legend Milkha Singh ...His wife said I have no ‘roti’ to eat...She is willing to auction his medals for money,” Swaraj said in Zero Hour. “The Sports Ministry should help not just Makhan Singh, but several other sports-persons. There should be a policy on awardees so that they and their families get pension,” she said.
Supporting her demand, several members, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi thumped their desk. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said the Government will take steps to formulate a policy in this regard. He also said sports federation of oil PSUs have decided to extend immediate relief to the family of Makhan Singh.