Odisha Chief Minister doubles pension for freedom fighters

Bhubaneswar, Jan 2: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today announced a significant increase in the pension for freedom fighters in Odisha, recognizing their crucial contributions to India’s independence movement.

During the 38th Independence Fighters’ Day celebration, the CM revealed that the monthly pension for imprisoned freedom fighters will rise from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Meanwhile, those who participated actively but were not incarcerated will receive Rs 15,000, up from Rs 9,000.

Additionally, beneficiaries of the national pension scheme will now receive an enhanced amount of Rs 10,000, increasing from the previous Rs 8,000.

Majhi emphasized the state government's commitment to honoring all freedom fighters from Odisha, stating the importance of including their stories in educational materials, such as school textbooks, to ensure future generations appreciate their sacrifices.

Furthermore, the CM announced that individuals detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the 21-month Emergency period will qualify for a monthly pension of Rs 20,000. He described the Emergency as one of the darkest times in independent India, highlighting the struggles of those who fought for the restoration of democracy, calling it a "second struggle for independence."