Bhubaneswar:; Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced an increase in the pension provided to the freedom fighters of the State.
The announcement was made during the Freedom Fighters Festival program, organized on the occasion of the Shraddha Utsav of Utkal Keshari Dr.Harekrushna Mahatab here today.
As per the announcement, the pension for jailed freedom fighters has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per month while non-jailed freedom fighters will now receive Rs15,000 per month, up from Rs 9,000.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said, “The freedom fighters are our priceless gems. No one can repay the sacrifices they made. We can only honor them and keep their memory alive.”
The State government’s additional commemorative allowance for freedom fighters receiving the Central Government’s Freedom Soldier Award has been raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month, he further announced.
Shri Majhi said those who were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the 21-month Emergency period will now be eligible for a monthly pension of Rs 20,000.
Describing the Emergency as the “darkest period” of Independent India, Shri Majhi said several people were arrested while fighting for re-establishment of democracy.
“This was also called the second struggle for Independence and the pension amount is a step to honour their efforts,” the Chief Minister said.
To honor Dr. Mahatab’s contributions and keep his memory alive, the State is celebrating its 125th birth anniversary both locally and nationally. A biopic on his life will also be produced, the Chief Minister announced.
Relatives of freedom fighters from ten states participated in the festival, where they were felicitated by the CM.
On the occasion, Shri Majhi inaugurated a photo exhibition organized by the Information and Public Relations Department at the Freedom Fighters’ Sadan premises.
He further announced the upcoming Shahid Madho Singh Handicrafts Scheme to honor the sacrifices of the great freedom fighter Shahid Madho Singh from Bargarh district.