STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In a significant move, the Government of Assam has decided to hike the monthly pension of the freedom fighters of the State. This increase in pension will be from Rs 21,000 to Rs 36,000. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already given his nod to this move.
Mentionably, the notification in this regard will be issued by the Home & Political department after the Finance department's approval.
Talking to The Sentinel, the general secretary of 'Assam State Freedom Fighters' Association', Dwijendra Mohan Sarma said, "Presently, there are 117 freedom fighters in Assam. However, most of them are bed-ridden due to old-age ailments. Hence, we have been requesting the authorities concerned to hike the monthly pension of the freedom fighters especially because of their advanced-age ailments.
Sarma added, "The only freedom fighter still alive in Kamrup (M) is Jatin Goswami. Incidentally, several freedom fighters lost their lives to COVID in Assam during 2020 and 2021.
"We expect that the government will issue the notification before the 'Gandhi Jayanti' on October 2."
According to Rule, after the demise of a freedom fighter, the pension is provided to his wife. And after the demise of the widow, the pension is given to the unmarried daughter, if any.
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