The Rajasthan government has effected a hike of Rs 5,000 per month in the Loktantra Senani Samman Pension for the defenders of democracy who were imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and the Defence of India Rules (DIR) during the Emergency.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma made an announcement to this effect on the 51st anniversary of the imposition of Emergency, which was observed as “Samvidhan Ki Hatya Divas” here on Thursday.
He said these defenders of democracy and constitutional values were in the youthful golden period of their lives 5 decades ago, and most of them are now in the age group of 65 -75 years.
They sacrificed their dreams and ambitions in defence of the nation and, in the process, braved torture and hardships in jail.
As many as 500 to 1,000 such nationalist senanis were lodged in almost every district of Rajasthan.
“Now, in their old age, it is our duty to provide them with the best possible care. With this spirit, the state government is increasing their Samman Pension from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month with immediate effect,” the Chief Minister said.
Likewise, the medical care allowance to them is also being raised from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.
The pension and the medical care allowance will be paid to them for life, and after their demise, the Senani’s spouse will continue to receive the pension and allowance.
Besides, they will be entitled to free travel on Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses.
In his address at the function, CM Sharma, as usual, targeted the Opposition Congress over the alleged violation of and disregard for the Constitution by the grand old party.
He said the party had violated and undermined the Constitution by imposing the Emergency and later disregarded it on every occasion in running the government with enormous powers during that dark phase of the nation’s history.
Such a party and its leadership are now preaching to us about the sanctity and the supremacy of the Constitution and even projecting themselves as its saviours, he said.
At the function, the Chief Minister also felicitated Loktantra Senanis. Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Chand Bairwa, BJP state president Madan Rathore, Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, Lok Sabha member from Jaipur, Manju Sharma, and several dignitaries were present.