Odisha offers financial support and healthcare to those detained during Emergency

Bhubaneswar, Jan 13: The Odisha government has announced a monthly pension and free healthcare for individuals detained in jails during the Emergency period. The pension will amount to Rs 20,000 per month and is aimed at those held under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), the Defence of India Rules (DIR), or the Defence and Internal Security of India Rules (DISIR) between June 26, 1975, and March 21, 1977, as per a notification from the Home Department.

The initiative specifies that the pension will be granted to living individuals as of January 1, 2025, regardless of how long they were imprisoned. Additionally, beneficiaries will have access to free medical treatment as outlined by the Health and Family Welfare Department, starting from January 1, 2025, with no payments made for periods before this date.

On January 2, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi also revealed plans to double the pensions for freedom fighters and emphasized the government's commitment to honor those who endured hardship during the Emergency, which he described as a dark chapter in democracy. Alongside pensions and healthcare, free bus passes will also be provided.