Bhubaneswar, 02 January (H.S.): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said that during the freedom movement and the post-independence period, every major movement or voice of protest in Odisha was either directly led by Utkal Kesari Dr Harekrushna Mahatab or was strongly inspired by his vision and leadership.

The Chief Minister was speaking on the occasion of Dr Mahatab’s death anniversary and the 39th Freedom Fighters’ Day celebration, held at the Shaheed Smaraki Swatantrata Senani Sadan in Bhubaneswar.

Describing Dr Mahatab as a symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression, Majhi said it was a rare and proud coincidence that the All-India Freedom Fighters’ Day is observed on the death anniversary of such a towering national leader. He noted that Dr Mahatab occupies a unique place among the country’s foremost freedom fighters.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that a full-length statue of Dr Mahatab would be installed in the central part of Bhubaneswar. He also said that the proposed ‘Kutumb Yojana’ for the families of freedom fighters is currently under process and will be implemented soon.

Emphasising that honouring national heroes is a moral responsibility, Majhi said the state government, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been committed from its very first day to giving due respect to Odisha’s great sons and eminent personalities. As part of this initiative, birth anniversaries and death anniversaries of prominent leaders are being observed in their native villages.

Addressing freedom fighters and their family members present at the event, the Chief Minister said the government has taken several steps to ensure dignified support for freedom fighters and those who fought during the Emergency. He said the pension for imprisoned freedom fighters has been enhanced from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month, with the benefit continuing for their wives and unmarried daughters after their demise. Similarly, the monthly pension for non-imprisoned freedom fighters has been increased from ₹9,000 to ₹15,000.

He further said that freedom fighters under the central scheme are receiving a symbolic honorarium of ₹10,000 per month. In addition, a monthly pension of ₹20,000 is being provided to 152 Loktantra Sainiks who were detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency. The Chief Minister added that more Loktantra Sainiks would be brought under the pension scheme in the coming days.

During the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated veteran freedom fighter and chairman of the Freedom Fighters’ Day celebrations, Bimbadhar Muduli. He also inaugurated and visited a photo exhibition on the life and legacy of Dr Mahatab, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda