Archive · 10 Aug 2026
West Bengal CM unveils Rs 10,000 pension for Emergency jailed
A very long time ago, in 1975, India's government took away many people's freedoms for a while, and that time is called the Emergency.
Some people protested because they wanted democracy back, and many of them were put in jail.
A leader named Suvendu Adhikari says those people were very brave for what they did.
Now his government will give 325 of those people Rs 10,000 every month as a thank you.
They will also get free rides on government buses and a little money to help pay for treatment at government hospitals.
If one of these brave people has passed away, their husband or wife will get the benefits instead.
The special plan is called 'Paschimbanga Loktantra Senani Samman.'
Mr. Adhikari also remembered the Quit India Movement, which happened 84 years ago, and praised freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi.
He wants schools to teach children about leader Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the 'correct history' of the Partition of Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for 325 people jailed during the 1975 Emergency.
Beneficiaries will also get free travel on government buses and Rs 1,000 in medical assistance at government hospitals; benefits extend to spouses of deceased beneficiaries.
The scheme, named 'Paschimbanga Loktantra Senani Samman' (spelled 'Lokotantra' in one report), was announced at the state secretariat in Kolkata on Sunday.
Adhikari said the payout fulfills the government's commitment within 90 days of assuming office and praised the prisoners as 'brave soldiers' who defended democracy.
He also marked the 84th Quit India Movement anniversary and announced a committee headed by the chief secretary to bring Syama Prasad Mookerjee's ideals and the 'correct history' of the Partition of Bengal into school textbooks.
- Who
- Suvendu Adhikari, described in the reports as chief minister of West Bengal
- What
- Announced a monthly pension of Rs 10,000, free bus travel and medical assistance for 325 people jailed during the 1975 Emergency, under the 'Paschimbanga Loktantra Senani Samman' scheme
- When
- Sunday, August 9
- Where
- State secretariat in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Why
- To honour the 'brave soldiers' who endured hardships defending democracy during the Emergency; the promise was fulfilled within 90 days of the government assuming office
- Scheme Name
- Paschimbanga Loktantra Senani Samman (also reported as 'Lokotantra')
- Announced By
- Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal Chief Minister
- Announcement Date
- Sunday, August 9
- Monthly Pension
- Rs 10,000 for each of 325 beneficiaries
- Additional Benefits
- Free travel on government buses; Rs 1,000 medical assistance at government hospitals; benefits pass to spouse if beneficiary has died
- Emergency Imposed On
- June 25, 1975
- People Jailed Nationwide
- Nearly 1 lakh, including about 5,000 from West Bengal
- Textbook Committee
- Special committee headed by the chief secretary to be formed on August 13 to bring Mookerjee's ideals and the 'correct history' of the Partition of Bengal into school textbooks
Sources
Suvendu Adhikari unveils pension scheme for those jailed in 1975 Emergency protests - Telegraph India
'Brave soldiers had to endure a lot of suffering': Suvendu Adhikari announces ₹10,000 monthly pension for 325 Emergency protesters
