Bhubaneswar, May 10 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a proposal to grant pensions to 23 additional MISA prisoners, including 19 arrested under MISA and 4 under DISIR provisions.

Previously, pensions had been approved for 21 MISA prisoners. With the addition of these 23 individuals, a total of 44 former detainees are now considered eligible for the pension scheme in the state.

Each beneficiary will receive a monthly pension of Rs.20,000, and all their medical expenses will be covered by the state government.

According to official sources, the state government has initiated efforts to honor individuals who embody the spirit of Odia independence.

As part of this initiative, the allowances for freedom fighters have been increased, and pensions have been extended to those imprisoned under the MISA Act during the Emergency.

It is noteworthy that between June 25, 1975, and March 21, 1977, many activists were arrested and imprisoned under MISA, DIR, and DISIR laws for protesting against the Emergency imposed in the country.

The government has decided that all surviving activists as of January 1, 2025, will be eligible for pension and medical benefits.

UNI DP GNK