New Delhi: If a member of your family was imprisoned during the Emergency, this news will prove to be very valuable. Now, 325 individuals who were jailed during the Emergency will receive a monthly pension of ₹10,000. Additionally, free travel on government buses and medical assistance have also been announced.
This announcement has been made by the West Bengal government. During an event held at the state secretariat on Monday, it was stated that those who endured imprisonment and various hardships to protect democratic values during the Emergency will now receive a monthly pension. The state government is founded upon the ideals of these brave ‘fighters for democracy’ (Loktantra Senanis). You can read more details below about what was said.
Important information shared by the government
It was announced that the state government has selected 325 individuals who were imprisoned for participating in protests during the Emergency for the ‘Paschim Banga Loktantra Senani Samman’ (West Bengal Democracy Fighter Honour). These 325 individuals identified by the Bengal government will receive a monthly pension of ₹10,000. Along with this, they will be entitled to free travel on government buses. Furthermore, they will be provided with medical assistance of ₹1,000 per month for treatment in government hospitals.
Benefits for the spouse in case of the beneficiary’s demise
It was stated that if a beneficiary has passed away, the benefits will be extended to their spouse. The government is built upon the values andprinciples of those who made sacrifices for the country. The current BJP government at the Centre observes June 25th every year as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day) to commemorate the Emergency imposed by the then Indira Gandhi government in 1975. The BJP also regards this day as a ‘Black Day,’ marking the time when the Indira Gandhi government imposed a nationwide Emergency.
Honouring individuals with awards and pensions
Some BJP-ruled states have also honoured individuals who were imprisoned for opposing the Emergency with awards and pensions. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party, which holds power at the Centre, entre came to power in West Bengal for the first time following this year’s assembly elections.
Earlier, Suvendu Adhikari paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence on the occasion of the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Do or Die’ slogan, Adhikari stated in a social media post that thousands of Indians made the ultimate sacrifice for the dream of an independent India.
