Bengal CM announces monthly allowance, free travel in govt buses for 'Loktantra Senanis'
Kolkata, Aug 9
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday announced a Rs 10,000 monthly allowance, free travel in government buses and free medical assistance at government hospitals for 'Loktantra Senanis'.
During a programme at the state secretariat 'Nabanna', the Chief Minister felicitated those 325 'Loktantra Senanis'. State Industries and Commerce Minister Tapas Roy was also present at the function. Each of them was presented with a copper medal.
At the event, the Chief Minister announced a monthly allowance of Rs 10,000, free travel in government buses and medical assistance in government hospitals for them. He also announced that if the person who has been honoured in absentia today is not alive, his wife or husband will enjoy all the facilities.
'Loktantra Senani' (Democracy Fighter) refers to individuals who were imprisoned under laws like MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) or DIR (Defence of India Rules) during the internal Emergency imposed between 1975 and 1977.
Recalling the challenging days of the Emergency, the Chief Minister said, "One lakh people were imprisoned in the entire country. There were at least 5,000 people in Bengal. Due to the sacrifices of those who spent their lives in the darkness of jail at that time, the evil attempt to suppress the voice of democracy, parliamentary democracy and voting rights is protected in the country."
On the occasion, Adhikari also remembered the contribution of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He alleged that in the past, attempts were made to erase nationalism, patriotism and traditional culture. Adhikari said that his contribution should be highlighted to the current generation. Therefore, on the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a special committee will be formed at the state secretariat under the leadership of the Chief Secretary on August 13.
The Chief Minister also said that through this committee, Syama Prasad's ideology and the correct history of the partition of Bengal will be included in the syllabus of the textbooks.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative by the CM, but I wish this kind of respect was shown to all freedom fighters and democracy advocates across parties. The Emergency was a dark chapter, and all who opposed it deserve recognition, not just those from one political background. Still, better late than never.
The announcement about including Syama Prasad Mookerjee's ideology in the syllabus is interesting. Our history books have been one-sided for too long. The partition of Bengal is a crucial topic that needs proper attention. Hope the committee does justice to this task. 📚
Respect for the Loktantra Senanis is long overdue. My grandfather was also jailed during MISA, and he never received any recognition. This move by the Bengal government sets a good precedent for other states to follow. The copper medal and monthly allowance will help these elderly freedom fighters live with dignity in their final years.
Good to see the CM honouring those who fought against the Emergency. But let's not make it a political event. The freedom of press and democracy should be celebrated by all parties alike. Also, I hope the syllabus change is done carefully after proper consultation with historians and not just for political gain.
This is a heartwarming gesture. The provision that if the honoured person is no longer alive, their spouse will receive the benefits is very thoughtful. Many of these brave souls have passed away without any recognition. At least their families will now feel some pride and support. 👏
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