Two Paralympic athletes from Madhya Pradesh, Kapil Parmar and Prachi Yadav, have decided to return their Arjuna Awards citing unfulfilled government promises of jobs and financial support, according to media reports. Kapil Parmar, a para-judo bronze medallist at the 2024 Paralympics, says he was promised a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) post and Rs 1 crore by the state government but has received only Rs 50 lakh and no job.
Prachi Yadav, who made history as India’s first paracanoe athlete at the Paralympics, expressed frustration at the lack of government support compared to neighbouring states. Madhya Pradesh officials have yet to issue a formal response but assured that grievances will be addressed while emphasising current efforts to build sports infrastructure.
Athletes Speak Out on Neglect and Broken Promises
Kapil Parmar, whose journey from overcoming vision loss to winning international medals has made him a celebrated athlete, feels deeply let down by the state government. Despite securing historic wins including a para-judo bronze at the 2024 Paralympics and golds at various international competitions, he claims he has been ignored by officials and was not invited to major state sporting events.
Parmar questions the disparity in appointment speed, pointing out that Olympian hockey player Vivek Sagar was swiftly given a DSP post, while his own promised job remains pending. Prachi Yadav shared her disappointment, lamenting the lack of job security and financial assistance for para-athletes in Madhya Pradesh and warning of adverse effects on future generations if this neglect continues.
Government Response and the Larger Context
The controversy stems from a gap between promises and their delivery. While Kapil Parmar has received partial financial aid, the promised government job remains elusive. A Madhya Pradesh sports official acknowledged the grievances and said policies are being formulated to provide para-athletes with government jobs, including gazetted officer posts, causing delays.
The state government also reiterated its commitment to improving sports infrastructure, although athletes argue that infrastructure alone cannot substitute for promised employment and support. This situation has drawn broader attention to the need for consistent and transparent mechanisms for supporting differently-abled athletes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The achievements of athletes like Kapil Parmar and Prachi Yadav reflect remarkable dedication and national pride, and honouring them is a societal responsibility. Failure to fulfil government promises damages athlete morale and public trust, highlighting the need for accountable governance.
The Logical Indian advocates for transparent engagement and timely fulfilment of commitments, ensuring athletes receive the respect and support they deserve beyond awards.
