Bhubaneswar, Jan 13 (NationPress) The District Collectors in Odisha have been instructed to create a comprehensive list of individuals incarcerated in various jails across the state under several stringent laws during the Emergency era, as the state government has resolved to extend pensions and additional benefits to these detainees.

It is crucial to highlight that the Odisha Home Department issued a notice on Monday regarding the government's decision to offer pensions and free medical treatment to those who were imprisoned during the Emergency phase from 1975 to 1977.

According to the notification, the state government, after thorough evaluation, has agreed to provide monthly pensions of Rs 20,000 to individuals still alive as of 01.01.2025, regardless of the duration of their imprisonment.

Eligible recipients will also receive complimentary medical treatment.

Following the notification, Satyabrata Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Home Department, convened a high-level meeting to discuss the steps necessary for compiling an accurate list of MISA, DIR, and DISIR detainees who were imprisoned during the Emergency.

During the meeting, Sahu emphasized that detainees must submit their applications in the designated format to the District Magistrates, accompanied by all pertinent documentation confirming their detention under MISA, DIR, and DISIR, including the names of three fellow prisoners.

As per the press release from the Home Department, a district-level committee headed by the Collector, with the Superintendent of Police and the Jail Superintendent as members, will review the applications.

After the committee finalizes the list, the recommendations will be sent to the Home Department for verification by a State Level Committee that includes the Home Secretary, Law Secretary, Finance Secretary, Financial Advisor of the Home Department, DGP, and DG Prisons.

Once approved by the state committee, an order will be issued to the individual for pension disbursement, with copies sent to Collectors, AG (A&E), Director of Treasury and Inspection, DGP, SPs, the beneficiaries, and District Treasuries. The Accountant General (A&E) will then notify the District Treasury based on this order, sharing information with the Home Department and the beneficiary for pension access.

Sahu has also instructed district collectors to revoke all benefits offered to any detainee found to have submitted fraudulent documents or involved in anti-national activities, or incidents that threaten national harmony.