<p>Sixty five years after Independence, Bihar continues to have the highest number of freedom fighters. <br /><br /></p>.<p>According to an estimate, nearly 23,000 persons in the state are still getting Swatantrata Senani Samman Pension (Freedom Fighters’ Pension), and the number (of beneficiaries) has not dwindled in the last couple of years.<br /><br />Soon after a Union Home Ministry report said that of all states, Bihar had the highest pensioners, the state government asked all the district magistrates to provide treasury-wise details of such pensioners with their Pension Payment Order (PPO) number. The move was aimed to update its (Bihar government) record about such freedom fighters and their dependants, including unwed daughters, who too were entitled for pension after the death of the original freedom fighter.<br /><br />The appraisal report conducted by different DMs’ office showed that Patna had the highest number of freedom fighters – 900, while Araria only 100. Bhagalpur stood second with 650 swatantrata senani while Darbhanga had 400. Even the naxal-infested Jamui district had 220 freedom fighters or their dependants drawing pension.<br /><br />The scheme, which was launched in the 70s in recognition of the services rendered by lakhs of freedom fighters during struggle for Independence, was an effort to give them samman (respect) and help them economically in their autumn age. <br /><br />But with the passage of time, the numbers of freedom fighters swelled as did the pension amount. Initially, only Rs 200 was doled out as pension which was enhanced to Rs 3,000, followed by another revision to Rs 15,000. <br /><br />The Bihar government too gives a separate pension of Rs 2,000 per month to each beneficiary. Apart from this, a freedom fighter is entitled to railway pass for unlimited travel to anywhere in India.<br /></p>
<p>Sixty five years after Independence, Bihar continues to have the highest number of freedom fighters. <br /><br /></p>.<p>According to an estimate, nearly 23,000 persons in the state are still getting Swatantrata Senani Samman Pension (Freedom Fighters’ Pension), and the number (of beneficiaries) has not dwindled in the last couple of years.<br /><br />Soon after a Union Home Ministry report said that of all states, Bihar had the highest pensioners, the state government asked all the district magistrates to provide treasury-wise details of such pensioners with their Pension Payment Order (PPO) number. The move was aimed to update its (Bihar government) record about such freedom fighters and their dependants, including unwed daughters, who too were entitled for pension after the death of the original freedom fighter.<br /><br />The appraisal report conducted by different DMs’ office showed that Patna had the highest number of freedom fighters – 900, while Araria only 100. Bhagalpur stood second with 650 swatantrata senani while Darbhanga had 400. Even the naxal-infested Jamui district had 220 freedom fighters or their dependants drawing pension.<br /><br />The scheme, which was launched in the 70s in recognition of the services rendered by lakhs of freedom fighters during struggle for Independence, was an effort to give them samman (respect) and help them economically in their autumn age. <br /><br />But with the passage of time, the numbers of freedom fighters swelled as did the pension amount. Initially, only Rs 200 was doled out as pension which was enhanced to Rs 3,000, followed by another revision to Rs 15,000. <br /><br />The Bihar government too gives a separate pension of Rs 2,000 per month to each beneficiary. Apart from this, a freedom fighter is entitled to railway pass for unlimited travel to anywhere in India.<br /></p>
