Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the Odisha government has announced a monthly pension and medical expense coverage for individuals who were detained during the Emergency period (1975-1977), as per a notification issued by the state’s Home (Special Section) Department on Monday.
The official notification reads, “The State Government, after careful consideration, has been pleased to provide pension and other benefits, as indicated below, to persons detained in jail in the State of Odisha under MISA (The Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971), DIR (The Defence of India Rules), or DISIR (The Defence and Internal Security of India Rules) between 25th June 1975 and 21st March 1977.”
As per the announcement, those who were imprisoned during the Emergency period will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 20,000. This will be provided regardless of the duration of detention. In addition to the pension, the government will also cover the medical expenses of the detainees.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier highlighted this initiative during the All India Freedom Fighters Day Festival and the official notification issued by the Home Department now formalizes the details of the scheme.
However, the Odisha government has clarified that these benefits will be effective from 1st January 2025 and no retrospective payments will be made for the period prior to this date.
