Pension Update: West Bengal’s Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has introduced a monthly pension of Rs 10,000, along with free travel on government buses and medical support for 325 individuals who were imprisoned during the Emergency. Speaking at an event held at the state secretariat, Suvendu acknowledged the hardships these individuals faced in their fight for democracy during that time. He remarked, “These courageous individuals encountered numerous challenges. The new state government is founded on the principles upheld by these brave souls.”
Chief Minister Adhikari mentioned that the state has identified 325 individuals who were jailed for their participation in protests during the Emergency, who will be honored with the “Paschim Banga Loktantra Senani Samman.” Each of these individuals will receive a monthly pension of 10,000 rupees, along with free travel on government buses. Additionally, they will be granted a monthly medical assistance of 1,000 rupees for treatment in government hospitals.
BJP Marks ‘Constitution Murder Day’
An official stated that if a beneficiary passes away, their spouse will receive the benefits. He emphasized that the new government is rooted in the values and principles of those who made sacrifices for the nation. The current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre observes June 25 each year as ‘Samvidhan Murder Day’ to remember the Emergency declared by the then Indira Gandhi government in 1975.
Honoring the Brave
Various BJP-led states have also recognized those imprisoned for opposing the Emergency by granting them awards and pensions. In this year’s Bengal Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party, which governs at the center, has successfully returned to power in West Bengal for the first time.
Remembering Freedom Fighters
Earlier, on the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement, Adhikari paid homage to the freedom fighters who gave their lives in the struggle for independence. Recalling Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s “Do or Die” slogan, Adhikari said in a social media post that thousands of Indians made the supreme sacrifice with the dream of a free India.
While addressing the people, he further said, “On this important day of 9th August, I pay my deep gratitude and sincere tribute to all those brave freedom fighters. Their unmatched valour and supreme sacrifice are the foundation of the independent India that we cherish today.”
The Emergency in India lasted for 21 months from 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977. President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the recommendation of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a national emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution on the grounds of internal disturbance in the country.