Odisha Announces ₹20,000 Monthly Pension and Free Medical Care for Emergency Era Detainees

The Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has introduced a scheme to provide a monthly pension of ₹20,000 and free medical treatment to individuals detained during the Emergency period (June 25, 1975–March 21, 1977) under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and related laws.
The initiative, announced through an official notification on January 13, 2025, aims to support those who faced imprisonment during what the CM described as the “darkest period” in India’s post-independence history.
Key Highlights of the Scheme
Eligibility and Coverage: The scheme is available to Odisha residents who were detained under MISA, the Defence of India Rules (DIR), or the Defence and Internal Security of India Rules (DISIR) during the Emergency. The pension will be granted to those who were alive as of January 1, 2025, regardless of the duration of their detention. Free medical care will be provided to eligible beneficiaries.
Application Process: Applicants must submit their claims to the Collector and District Magistrate. Required documentation includes proof of detention, names of three co-detainees, and an affidavit confirming imprisonment under MISA.
Financial Implications: An estimated ₹8 crore will be spent annually on this scheme. Approximately 300 individuals in Odisha are believed to be eligible for the benefits.
Penalties for Misuse: Individuals found engaging in anti-national activities will have their benefits revoked. False claims or misuse of the scheme will lead to legal action, with recovery of funds along with 12% annual interest.
Historical Context and Political Implications
The Emergency, declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, led to the detention of numerous individuals across India under stringent laws.
The Odisha government’s move aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) longstanding criticism of the Emergency period and aims to honor those who suffered during this era. Odisha joins states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Assam in offering financial support to Emergency detainees.
The announcement was made during the All India Freedom Fighters Day function on January 2, where CM Majhi reiterated the BJP’s stance against the Emergency, calling it a dark chapter in Indian history.
Implementation and Future Steps
The government has formed state-level and district-level committees to identify beneficiaries and analyze jail records for accuracy. While exact data on detainees is unavailable, the government is committed to ensuring the rightful recipients are identified and supported.
The scheme is seen as a measure to acknowledge and compensate the sacrifices made by those who opposed the Emergency, many of whom are now prominent figures in political parties. The initiative underscores the BJP’s narrative of upholding democratic values and remembering those who fought against authoritarianism.