Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme Supports Freedom Fighters

Why in the news?

The Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, launched in 1972, offers pensions and benefits to freedom fighters and their families, ensuring recognition and support for their sacrifices.

Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme Supports Freedom Fighters

Overview and Launch:

  • The Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme was launched on 15th August 1972 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • It aims to recognize and support India’s freedom fighters and their families.
  • The scheme provides pensions to living freedom fighters, the families of deceased freedom fighters, and families of martyrs.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Freedom fighters must have endured at least six months of imprisonment in mainland jails before Independence, went underground for over six months, or faced internment/externment for the same period.
  • Other eligible individuals include those whose properties were confiscated, suffered permanent disability during protests, or lost government jobs due to their involvement in the freedom struggle.

Benefits and Support

  • Pensioners receive free lifetime railway passes for train travel and access to free medical facilities under CGHS, including treatment in PSU-run hospitals.
  • The scheme also offers free transit stays with meals at State Bhawan in New Delhi for freedom fighters and their dependents.
  • Collectors and SDMs have been directed to monitor freedom fighters’ well-being and resolve any pension-related issues promptly.

Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme:

  • Launch and Purpose:
  • Initiated on 15th August 1972 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Provides pensions to freedom fighters, their families, and martyrs’ families.
  • Eligibility:
  • Six months imprisonment or more before Independence.
  • Underground for over six months.
  • Interned/externed for six months or more.
  • Property confiscated or sold for participation in freedom struggle.
  • Permanently incapacitated due to protests.
  • Lost government job due to involvement in the movement.
  • Benefits:
  • Free lifetime railway passes.
  • Free medical treatment under CGHS and PSU-run hospitals.
  • Free transit stay with meals at New Delhi’s State Bhawan.
  • Regular monitoring of well-being and pension issues by Collectors/SDMs.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times