Pension Hike for Freedom Fighters, Emergency Sufferers & Matribhasha Satyagrahis | 26 Jun 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Haryana Chief Minister announced a significant increase in the monthly pension for freedom fighters, their dependents, Emergency "sufferers", and Matribhasha Satyagrahis.

  • The new pension rates will be applicable with effect from 1st July, 2024.

Key Points

  • The pension of freedom fighters and their dependents has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000.
  • The pension of Emergency "sufferers" and the Matribhasha Satyagrahis has been increased to Rs 20,000.
  • The chief minister honored the freedom fighters for their countless sacrifices for the country's freedom, and also paid tribute to the 'satyagrahis' who fought during the Emergency to uphold the spirit of the Constitution and restore democracy.

Matribhasha Satyagrahis

  • In 1957, a number of people from Hindi-speaking parts of erstwhile Punjab launched a crusade for the honour, promotion and implementation of their mother tongue. They are known as 'Matribhasha Satyagrahis'.

National Emergency

  • The national emergency was set in motion under Article 352 on June 25, 1975 on the grounds of ‘internal disturbance’ and was in place for 21 months till its withdrawal on March 21, 1977. Threat to national security and bad economic conditions were cited as reasons for the declaration.
    • The order gave the central government the authority to rule by decree wherein civil liberties were curbed.
    • An external Emergency was already in place at the time of proclamation of national emergency.

Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY)

  • The scheme provides for a monthly Samman Pension to freedom fighters, as a token of respect for their contribution in the national freedom struggle.
  • On their demise, pension is provided to their eligible dependents viz. spouses and thereafter, unmarried and unemployed daughters and dependent parents, as per prescribed eligibility norms and procedure.
  • It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Freedom Fighters Division).
  • There are 23,566 beneficiaries across the country covered under this scheme.