New Delhi, July 28 - The prize money for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awards have been increased.

Junior sports minister Pratik Prakashbapu Patil informed the Lok Sabha Tuesday that Khel Ratna prize money has been increased from Rs.500,000 to Rs.750,000 while Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awards prize money has been increased from Rs.300,000 to Rs.500,000.

Patil also said that the Ministry of Railways will provide 1st class/2nd AC complimentary passes to all Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardees, and Olympic, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallists.

The minister went on to add that the government has also increased rates of financial assistance for sportspersons living under indigent circumstances.