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Key Points

The Maharashtra government has approved doubling the honorarium for those imprisoned during the Emergency period. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired the cabinet meeting that also extended benefits to surviving spouses of deceased detainees. This decision comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declared by former PM Indira Gandhi. The revised scheme removes previous age restrictions and sets a 90-day application window for eligible beneficiaries.

Key Points: Fadnavis Doubles Emergency Prisoners Honorarium Ahead of 50th Anniversary

  • Maharashtra doubles honorarium for Emergency prisoners to Rs 20,000
  • Surviving spouses to receive Rs 10,000 monthly
  • Decision marks 50 years since Indira Gandhi's Emergency
  • Earlier age restriction for applicants abolished
2 min read

Maha Cabinet clears doubling honorarium for those imprisoned during the Emergency

Maharashtra Cabinet raises monthly honorarium to Rs 20,000 for Emergency-era detainees and extends benefits to surviving spouses

"Emergency was declared in the country from June 25, 1975, to March 31, 1977. During this period, those who fought for democracy had to undergo imprisonment. - Government release"

Mumbai, June 17

The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved doubling the monthly honorarium to Rs 20,000 from the present Rs 10,000 to those imprisoned during the emergency period.

The Cabinet also cleared to provide honorarium to the surviving spouses of such individuals who are no more. The decision was taken ahead of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The Cabinet’s decision will be applicable to those who were imprisoned for fighting for democracy during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. “Emergency was declared in the country from June 25, 1975, to March 31, 1977. During this period, those who fought for democracy had to undergo imprisonment. In order to honour such individuals and to honour them appropriately, a policy of giving honorarium every month was decided in 2018.

The decision to increase this honorarium was taken in the cabinet meeting today, according to which those who underwent imprisonment for more than one month during the Emergency will be given an honorarium of Rs 20,000 per month. On the other hand, the surviving spouse of the husband will get Rs 10,000 per month,” said the government release.

According to the Cabinet decision, those persons who were imprisoned for less than one month during the Emergency will get a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000, and their surviving spouses or husbands will be given Rs 5,000. The surviving spouses of the deceased persons, who were imprisoned during the Emergency, will have to apply anew to the concerned District Collector for honorarium.

Also, if the person who underwent imprisonment during the Emergency was not alive before January 2, 2018, his spouse will be able to apply by attaching an affidavit. The deadline for this will be 90 days from the date of announcement of the government decision in this regard. The condition that earlier required a minimum age of 18 at the time of arrest to apply under this scheme has been abolished.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a welcome move by the Maharashtra government! Those who fought for democracy during the dark days of Emergency deserve recognition. ₹20,000 may seem small today but it's a token of respect for their sacrifices. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the gesture, I wonder if this is the best use of public funds. There are so many current issues needing attention - farmers, unemployment, education. Why focus on something from 50 years ago?
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Arjun S.
My grandfather was jailed during Emergency for 3 months. He never spoke much about it but I know it was traumatic. This honorarium means a lot to families like ours - not for money but as official acknowledgment of that dark chapter.
S
Sunita P.
Good decision, but implementation is key! Many genuine fighters are still struggling to get documents proving their imprisonment. Government should make the process simpler, especially for elderly applicants. 🙏
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Vikram J.
Emergency was the biggest attack on Indian democracy. Today's youth should learn about this period - how easily rights can be suspended. This honorarium keeps that memory alive. Kudos to Maharashtra govt!
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Neha T.
The inclusion of spouses is thoughtful. Many women suffered silently when their husbands were jailed. ₹10,000 may help with medical bills in their old age. Small but meaningful gesture.

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