Staff Reporter
Guwahati: On the eve of the 79th Independence Day on Friday, the Assam State Freedom Fighters' Association appealed to the state government to provide Uttaradhikari Sanman Pension to the heirs or family members of the freedom fighters of the state. Also, an amendment to the Assam Swatantrata Sainik Relief Rules, 1988, was sought by the freedom fighters' body.
Assam State Freedom Fighters' Association general secretary Dwijendra Mohan Sarma told The Sentinel today, "A large number of freedom fighters of the state contributed in a big way to the struggle for independence. Many of them were martyred during the freedom movement. The martyrs were later given due recognition by the state and central governments. Thousands of freedom fighters were engaged in the quest for independence. As of now, only 44 of them remain alive. Of the 44 remaining freedom fighters, 6 to 7 are over 100 years old. A few years down the line, there will not remain any survivors of the freedom movement."
Sarma further said, "After the death of a freedom fighter, the surviving wife gets a family pension. After the death of the wife, if any unmarried daughter exists, she becomes eligible to receive the pension. It is a sad fact that the financial condition of the families of the freedom fighters is not that good. There are even examples of the kin of freedom fighters resorting to work as daily wage labourers to survive. The Uttarakhand government provides family pensions to the kin of freedom fighters. The Odisha government also has this provision. So, we request the state government to provide family pensions to the family members of freedom fighters."
The general secretary also pointed out that some of the clauses of the Assam Swatantrata Sainik Relief Rules, 1988, have become redundant in the present socio-economic scenario in the state. Members of the freedom fighters' association were quite emphatic in seeking amendments to the Rules of 1988.
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