Odisha Govt Doubles Pension Of Freedom Fighters; Rs 20K For Those Arrested During Emergency

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday doubled the pension of freedom fighters in Odisha while acknowledging their pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence.

The monthly pension amount of freedom fighters, who were imprisoned, has been increased to Rs 20,000 from Rs 10,000. Those who actively participated but were not imprisoned will get Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 9,000 a month, the CM said during the 38th Independence Fighters’ Day celebration.

Beneficiaries of national pension scheme will received an augment amount of Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 8,000.

Majhi added that the state government is taking initiative to honour all freedom fighters of Odisha, who laid down their life for the country. He also stressed on giving prominence to them in educational materials, including school textbooks, to help future generations understand and value their contributions.

The CM further announced that those who were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the 21-month Emergency period will now be eligible for monthly pension of Rs 20,000.

He described the Emergency as “darkest period” of independent India when several people were arrested while fighting for reestablishment of democracy. “This was also called the second struggle for Independence and the pension amount is a step to honour their efforts,” he said.