Rajasthan Assembly Approves Bill Honouring Democracy Defenders

Jaipur, March 22 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Assembly approved the Rajasthan Fighters of Democracy Honour Bill 2024 through a voice vote on Friday (March 21) following a vigorous debate.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Jogaram Patel stressed that while India is acknowledged as the birthplace of democracy, the Emergency period (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977) represented a troubling era.

During this time, essential freedoms were restricted, and judicial autonomy was compromised.

Nevertheless, those who championed democracy resisted the authoritarian regime and were pivotal in restoring democratic principles.

The government is dedicated to recognizing these brave individuals and their families, the Minister stated.

The enactment of the Rajasthan Fighters of Democracy Honour Bill 2024 ensures that future administrations cannot revoke pensions and benefits through mere administrative orders. Eligibility for these benefits is limited to those imprisoned for a minimum of 30 days during the Emergency (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977).

In the event of a democracy fighter passing away, their spouse will continue to receive the pension.

The government has earmarked a budget of Rs 40 crore for the pensions and amenities for democracy fighters, as detailed in the Bill.

The next phase involves establishing regulations, which may introduce additional provisions. Individuals who were incarcerated for political or social reasons during the Emergency are officially acknowledged as democracy fighters.

Upon the death of a democracy fighter, their spouse is required to apply for the pension within 90 days to maintain the benefits.

This legislation provides a legal basis for the pensions of democracy fighters, ensuring that future governments cannot cease payments through administrative actions.

If any administration intends to terminate these benefits, it must present a new bill in the Assembly and amend the law prior to any modifications.

Patel pointed out that the previous government revoked the Rajasthan Loktantra Senani Samman Nidhi Rules, 2008 in 2019. However, the current administration reinstated these regulations on March 14, 2024, effective January 1, 2024. Currently, Rajasthan has 921 democracy fighters and 219 dependents (spouses of deceased fighters), totaling 1,140 beneficiaries.

The bill stipulates a Rs 20,000 monthly pension for democracy fighters and their dependents, along with Rs 4,000 monthly medical assistance. He emphasized that honoring those who risked imprisonment to protect democracy is the government's ethical responsibility.

In response to the discussion, Patel outlined the criteria for receiving benefits. Residents of Rajasthan who actively fought for democracy and were imprisoned under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act), the Defence of India Act (1971), or the Code of Criminal Procedure will qualify for an honorarium, medical aid, and free transportation services.

Moreover, they will receive formal invitations to national celebrations from the District Magistrate, and upon their death, their spouses will continue to receive honorarium and medical assistance for life.

He concluded by stating that the Rajasthan government has introduced this bill to support and acknowledge those who faced adversities while safeguarding democracy.