Pensions for Emergency Detainees: Loktantra Senani Honors Odisha Chief Minister
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Synopsis
On January 14, members of Loktantra Senani honored Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi at Bhubaneswar airport for the state government’s decision to provide pensions and benefits to those affected during the 1975 Emergency, marking a significant acknowledgment of their sacrifices.
Key Takeaways
- Loktantra Senani members recognized CM Majhi for pension initiatives.
- The BJP government acknowledges sacrifices made during the Emergency.
- Pension of Rs 20,000/month introduced for eligible detainees.
- Free medical treatment offered to beneficiaries.
- Districts tasked with compiling lists of detained individuals.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 14 (NationPress) The members of Loktantra Senani, a group representing those incarcerated during the 1975 Emergency, celebrated Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Bhubaneswar airport on Tuesday upon his return from Delhi. This celebration was in recognition of the state government's initiative to offer pension and additional benefits to individuals impacted during the Emergency era.
The members commended the BJP government under CM Majhi for this important measure.
“After five decades, our sacrifices are finally being recognized by the BJP government led by CM Mohan Majhi,” remarked a member of Loktantra Senani to IANS.
In their expressions of gratitude, they reminisced about the struggles endured during the Emergency enforced by the Indira Gandhi led Congress government.
“Democracy was under siege. Individuals were detained, tortured, and oppressed. Students nationwide protested under the guidance of Jayprakash Narayan. In Odisha, we were imprisoned as students for voicing our opposition against the tyrannical regime,” the member continued.
Another member accused the previous Biju Janata Dal government of neglecting their concerns during its 24-year governance, despite repeated reminders from the organization.
They extended their thanks to the BJP government for finally acknowledging their contributions.
The Odisha Home Department announced on Monday that the government will provide pensions and free medical care to those detained during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977.
“After thorough evaluation, the state government is pleased to grant pensions and other benefits to individuals detained in Odisha under MISA (The Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971) or DIR (The Defence of India Rules) or DISIR (The Defence and Internal Security of India Rules) between June 25, 1975, and March 21, 1977),” the notice stated.
The notice further specified that a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 will be allocated to detainees regardless of their duration of incarceration.
Additionally, eligible recipients will receive free medical treatment.
District Collectors in Odisha have been instructed to compile a list of individuals detained in various state jails under different oppressive laws during the Emergency.
Pension disbursement will occur following the evaluation of lists by district and state committees.
--IANs
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