Guwahati News Desk: In a significant move, the monthly pension of freedom fighters of the State has been hiked to Rs 36,000. With the approval of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Home and Political department has issued a notification in this regard.
Freedom fighters are now getting Rs 21,000 per month as pension. This amount has been increased by Rs 15,000 to Rs 36,000. The notification further stated that this hike has been made under the provisions of the Assam Sawtantrata Sainik Relief Rules, 1988. This hike can be availed by all persons who are drawing State Freedom Fighters’ Pension from the State exchequer.
A hike in the monthly pension of freedom fighters has been one of the long-standing demands of the Assam Freedom Fighters’ Association. In fact, before the 2021 Assembly polls, the Assam State Freedom Fighters’ Association had staged a protest at Dispur Last Gate in support of their demands. After the new government was formed, the process to hike the monthly pension of freedom fighters was started, and finally, now, the government has taken a policy decision in this matter.
Assam State Freedom Fighters’ Association general secretary Dwijendra Mohan Sarma said, “This hike from Rs 21,000 to Rs 36,000 will give succour to the freedom fighters and their dependents. Most of the freedom fighters who are alive, are bed-ridden and suffering from various old-age ailments. They have a lot of medical expenses. So this hike in pension will give them much relief.”
He further said, “The clauses in the Assam Sawtantrata Sainik Relief Rules, 1988 are now outdated and irrelevant. We urge the State Government to amend the rules, in line with the changing times.”
According to the Assam State Freedom Fighters’ Association, there are 130 freedom fighters in the State.
