Odisha Announces Pension for Emergency Era Prisoners

The Odisha government has unveiled a monthly pension scheme of ₹20,000 for individuals who were imprisoned during the Emergency period between 1975 and 1977. This financial assistance will also include coverage for medical expenses, providing comprehensive support for eligible beneficiaries. The announcement was formalised through a notification issued by the state’s Home Department on 13 January 2025. The scheme aims to recognise and honour the sacrifices of those detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during this challenging phase of India’s history.

Eligibility and Application Process

The pension scheme is exclusively for individuals from Odisha who were detained under MISA during the Emergency. To ensure proper identification of beneficiaries, the government has constituted state-level and district-level committees.

Eligible individuals are required to submit their applications to the Collector and District Magistrate of their respective districts. The application must include documents proving their detention during the Emergency, the names of three co-detainees as witnesses, and an affidavit confirming their imprisonment under MISA. These measures aim to maintain transparency and accuracy in the identification process.

Additional Benefits and Government’s Statement

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the scheme also includes health insurance and railway travel benefits for eligible individuals. He emphasised that this initiative addresses longstanding demands from those who endured imprisonment during the Emergency, acknowledging their sacrifices.

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