Maiden data on State freedom fighters compiled after 70 years of Independence

79 new names added to list of 1,246; scrutiny on for 38 others

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: It’s rather interesting to note that even after 70 years of Independence of the country, there has not been any centralized data on the actual number of freedom fighters in the State. This is despite the fact that the Assam government has been providing pension to freedom fighters.

As of date, the State government has been providing pension to 1,246 freedom fighters. However, the majority of them are now no more. That pension is now being enjoyed either by the deceased person’s wife or unmarried daughter.

This lacuna came to the notice of the State Home department two years back. An initiative was then undertaken to compile the required information on the actual number of the freedom fighters. The department carried out the compilation with data primarily from the Treasury offices across the State. Sources informed that the process of collection, verification and notification of the list of freedom fighters in Assam is “almost complete”.

Talking to The Sentinel, the general secretary of the All Assam Freedom Fighters Association, Dwijendra Mohan Sarma said, “More than 200 applications have been pending since long. Following verification, 79 have been okayed.” These names have been finalized after due approval of the State Advisory Committee of Freedom Fighters and the Chief Minister.

Besides, scrutiny is on with respect to 38 more names.

Earlier, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat used to deal with this subject of scrutiny and sanctioning of pension for freedom fighters.

Also read: 99-year-old Freedom Fighter Deprived of Pension