Over 13,200 Living Freedom Fighters Still Receive Government Pensions, Says Home Ministry

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Nearly 78 years after India’s Independence, 13,212 living freedom fighters are still receiving pensions under the Central Government’s Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY), according to data shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The SSSY scheme, launched in 1980, provides a monthly pension to individuals who actively participated in the freedom struggle. In a written reply to Parliament, Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra confirmed that these beneficiaries continue to be honored for their role in securing India’s independence.

Among the states with the highest number of beneficiaries:

• West Bengal leads with 3,080 recipients,
  
• Followed by Maharashtra with 2,343,
  
• And Tamil Nadu with 1,136 pensioners.
  

Under the SSSY, eligible freedom fighters, including those who underwent imprisonment, were underground, or faced property confiscation during the struggle against British rule, are entitled to monthly financial assistance. Their dependents (widows, unmarried daughters, and dependent parents) are also eligible for the pension after the demise of the freedom fighter.

As of March 2024, the central government continues to disburse funds to these pensioners directly into their bank accounts via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), ensuring transparency and timely payment.

In addition to the pension, freedom fighters are eligible for other benefits such as free railway passes, medical treatment under CGHS, and concessional air travel. The scheme serves both as a token of gratitude and a means of support for those who fought for India’s independence.

The number of beneficiaries has steadily declined over the years due to natural attrition, but the government has emphasized its commitment to honoring the remaining heroes of India’s freedom movement.

“The nation is indebted to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. The government is committed to recognizing their contribution through sustained financial and social support,” the minister stated in his reply.