Rajasthan CM announces fivefold hike in Loktantra Senani pension on 50th anniversary of Emergency
Jaipur, June 25
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday announced a fivefold increase in the monthly pension for Loktantra Senanis, raising it from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000, besides enhancing monthly medical assistance from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.
The announcement came at a state-level function organised on Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to honour those who resisted the Emergency and defended democratic values.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, was a direct assault on the spirit of the Constitution and democracy. He stated that the contribution of the 'Loktantra Senanis' (Democracy Fighters), who struggled to safeguard democratic values and constitutional rights during that period, will always remain unforgettable.
The Chief Minister was addressing a felicitation ceremony organised for Loktantra Senanis on the occasion of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas at the State Institute of Agricultural Management Auditorium, Durgapura, on Wednesday.
On the occasion, CM Sharma announced a substantial enhancement in the financial assistance being provided to Loktantra Senanis. He declared that the monthly pension under the Loktantra Senani Samman Nidhi scheme would be increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000, while monthly medical assistance would be raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.
He said the state government is committed to ensuring the dignity, welfare and social security of Loktantra Senanis and has restored the Loktantra Senani Samman Nidhi with immediate effect.
The Chief Minister said that protecting the spirit of democracy and the Constitution is a collective responsibility. He emphasised the need to make the younger generation aware of the events of the Emergency and the sacrifices made by those who fought to protect democratic institutions.
He noted that during the Emergency, thousands of political leaders, social activists, journalists and volunteers were imprisoned, fundamental rights were curtailed, media censorship was imposed and restrictions were placed on democratic institutions.
Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken several historic steps to strengthen democratic institutions and constitutional values. He cited the observance of Constitution Day and the development of Panchteerth associated with Dr B.R. Ambedkar as examples of the Centre's commitment to honouring the Constitution and its architects.
The Chief Minister said the Emergency was imposed for political reasons and remains one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. He remarked that while freedom fighters secured India's Independence, Democracy Fighters played a crucial role in protecting the Constitution and democratic values.
He stressed that future generations must be informed about the consequences of undermining democratic institutions and constitutional principles.
Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State President Madan Rathore said the Emergency represented the greatest attack on Indian democracy. He recalled that restrictions were imposed on civil liberties, newspapers were censored and a climate of fear prevailed across the country.
Rathore said the struggle and sacrifice of Loktantra Senanis ultimately helped restore democratic governance in the country.
Rajya Sabha MP and Democracy Fighter Ghanshyam Tiwari recalled his experiences during the Emergency and highlighted the nationwide movement led by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. He thanked the state government for safeguarding the dignity and rights of Democracy Fighters.
Former BJP State President and programme convener Ashok Parnami described the Emergency as a dark chapter in India's democratic history and paid tribute to those who suffered imprisonment while defending democratic values.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Chand Bairwa, Lok Sabha MP Manju Sharma, Democracy Fighters and several public representatives were present on the occasion.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I read about the Emergency in school, but never really understood how brutal it was until I heard stories from my uncle who went underground for 18 months. Media censorship, arrests without trial—it's scary how close we came to losing democracy. This pension hike is a small but meaningful gesture.
I'm an American living in Jaipur for work. It's fascinating to see how India remembers its democratic struggles. The Emergency sounds like something from a different era, yet these veterans are still alive. Respect to them. $300/month pension seems modest by US standards but significant here. Good for Rajasthan.
While I appreciate the gesture, let's not pretend this is purely about honoring democracy fighters. It's also about BJP scoring political points ahead of Rajasthan elections. Remember, the same party that criticizes Emergency now had leaders who supported it back then! Politics aside, the pension hike is deserved. Just wish we could have non-political tributes to these heroes.
My father was a Loktantra Senani in Bihar. He used to tell me how Jayaprakash Narayan's call for total revolution inspired thousands. The Emergency was truly India's darkest hour—so many young people's lives ruined just for speaking up. This Rs 25,000 pension won't compensate for those lost years, but it's a step toward healing. India must never forget.
I'm a British journalist visiting India. The way India marks Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day) is so powerful. In my country, we don't have such a visceral reminder of what happens when democracy is attacked. These Loktantra
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