Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday called upon citizens to unite in a new national movement aimed at making India self-reliant, saying that while the era of the freedom struggle has passed, the responsibility of building an Atmanirbhar India lies with the present generation.
Addressing the 39th Freedom Fighters Mahotsav, organised to mark the death anniversary of former Chief Minister and eminent freedom fighter Harekrushna Mahtab, Majhi said the country today needs collective effort and resolve rather than agitation for independence. He urged people from all sections of society to actively participate in strengthening the nation’s self-reliance.
Recalling Mahtab’s legacy, the Chief Minister said the veteran leader consistently opposed injustice and earned a distinguished place among India’s foremost freedom fighters. As a mark of respect to his contribution, Majhi announced that a full-size statue of Harekrushna Mahtab would be installed at a prominent location in Bhubaneswar.
Majhi also reiterated his government’s commitment to the social security and welfare of freedom fighters and their families. He said the monthly pension for freedom fighters who were imprisoned has been doubled from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000. After the demise of a freedom fighter, the same amount will be extended to their spouse or unmarried daughter.
He further stated that the pension for freedom fighters who were not imprisoned has been enhanced from ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 per month. In addition, 152 individuals who were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency period are currently receiving a monthly pension of ₹20,000, he added.
The programme was attended by ministers Prithviraj Harichandan and Pradeep Bal Samanta, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJD MLA Prasanna Acharya and senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik, among others.
