Odisha Chief Minister Announces Increased Pension for Freedom Fighters
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Bhubaneswar, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Government of Odisha has increased the monthly pension provided to Freedom Fighters within the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, as the chief guest at the All-India Freedom Fighters Day celebration, stated that the pension for those Freedom Fighters who were jailed during the struggle for independence has been raised from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
Additionally, CM Majhi announced that Freedom Fighters who were not imprisoned during the struggle will now receive Rs 15,000 monthly, up from the previous Rs 9,000.
The monthly additional allowance of Rs 8,000 provided under the Central government’s Swatantrata Sainik Samman pension scheme has also been increased to Rs 10,000.
Furthermore, revolutionaries who faced imprisonment under the oppressive Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) for opposing the Emergency from 1975 to 1977 can now claim Rs 20,000 per month.
The Chief Minister remarked that the death anniversary of the esteemed Odia freedom fighter Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab is being commemorated as the Freedom Fighters Festival.
Earlier, in November 2024, the state government announced a year-long celebration for the 125th birth anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Dr. Mahatab.
On this occasion, CM Majhi also revealed plans for a biopic on Dr. Mahatab's life to preserve his legacy. His contributions will be translated into various languages and published by the state government. Additionally, a memorial will be erected at Agarpada, his birthplace in Bhadrak district.
The Chief Minister highlighted that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, efforts have been made to honor unsung heroes whose sacrifices in the freedom struggle were previously overlooked.
He mentioned that PM Modi has specifically designated the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The state government is also set to initiate the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha scheme to pay tribute to the valiant freedom fighter from Bargarh district.
Freedom Fighters from ten states participated in the All-India Freedom Fighters Day event held on Thursday.
