Has the Maha Cabinet Approved a Doubling of Honorarium for Emergency Prisoners?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has doubled the honorarium for Emergency prisoners to Rs 20,000. This decision also extends financial support to the surviving spouses of these individuals, coinciding with the approaching 50th anniversary of the Emergency.
Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra Cabinet has doubled the monthly honorarium for Emergency prisoners to Rs 20,000.
- Surviving spouses of deceased prisoners will also receive financial support.
- The decision coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Emergency period.
- Individuals imprisoned for less than one month will receive Rs 10,000 monthly.
- The application process has been simplified for surviving spouses.
Mumbai, June 17 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has officially approved the doubling of the monthly honorarium for individuals imprisoned during the Emergency period, raising it to Rs 20,000 from the previous rate of Rs 10,000.
The Cabinet has also sanctioned an honorarium for the surviving spouses of those individuals who have passed away. This decision comes as the nation approaches the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
This honorarium will benefit those who were incarcerated for their fight for democracy during the Emergency, which lasted from 1975 to 1977.
“The Emergency was enforced in the country from June 25, 1975, to March 31, 1977. During this tumultuous time, many stood up for democracy and faced imprisonment. To honor these brave individuals, a monthly honorarium policy was introduced in 2018. Today, the Cabinet has agreed to increase this honorarium, allowing those who were imprisoned for over a month during the Emergency to receive Rs 20,000 monthly, while their surviving spouses will receive Rs 10,000,” stated a government release.
As per the Cabinet's decision, individuals imprisoned for less than a month during the Emergency will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000, with their surviving spouses entitled to Rs 5,000.
The surviving spouses of deceased individuals who were imprisoned during the Emergency must reapply to the District Collector for the honorarium.
Additionally, if the individual who was imprisoned during the Emergency had passed away before January 2, 2018, their spouse may apply by submitting an affidavit.
The application deadline is set for 90 days from the announcement date of this decision.
The previous requirement of a minimum age of 18 at the time of arrest to apply for this scheme has been removed.
Point of View
The Maharashtra Cabinet's decision to double the honorarium for Emergency prisoners marks a significant acknowledgment of the sacrifices made during a crucial period in India's democratic history. This move not only seeks to recognize the contributions of these individuals but also extends support to their families, thereby reinforcing the government's commitment to honoring democratic values.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new honorarium amount for Emergency prisoners?
The honorarium for individuals imprisoned during the Emergency has been doubled to Rs 20,000 per month.
Who qualifies for the increased honorarium?
Individuals imprisoned for more than one month during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977 qualify for the increased honorarium.
What should surviving spouses do to receive the honorarium?
Surviving spouses of deceased individuals must apply to the concerned District Collector for the honorarium.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Yes, applications must be submitted within 90 days from the date of the government's announcement.
Has the eligibility criteria changed?
Yes, the condition requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old at the time of arrest has been abolished.
