(a) whether the Government has any proposal to give incentives to freedom fighters in view of the celebration of 100 years
of Satyagraha Movement and 150 years of freedom struggle this year as a special package;
(b) if so, the time by when it is likely to be granted; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI MANIKRAO HODLYA GAVIT)
(a) to (c): Government has inter alia taken the following steps in relation to freedom fighters:
(i) Enhancement in pension: Pension of freedom fighters and spouses of deceased freedom fighters has been enhanced from Rs.6,000/- to Rs.10,000/- per month, with effect from 2nd October 2006.
(ii) Committee of eminent freedom fighters: A Committee of eminent freedom fighters has been constituted to look into the issues related to freedom fighters, so that suggestions for redressal of problems and complaints of freedom fighters and suggestions for improvements in facilities for freedom fighters and their dependents are readily forthcoming and issues are resolved in a time-bound manner. The Committee was constituted on 26.02.2007. The first meeting was held on 25.04.2007.
(iii) Commemorative Postage Stamp(s): Ministry of Communications & IT has approved issue of commemorative postage stamp(s) on 100 years of the Satyagraha Movement.
(iv) Initiatives by States: All State Governments have been requested to see that the facilities presently being provided by them to freedom fighters and their dependents are improved upon.