Freedom fighters to get minimum Rs 10,000 pension

New Delhi, Nov 9: Freedom fighters and the spouses of deceased freedom fighters will now get a minimum of Rs 10,000 as pension with the government today increasing their basic pension by Rs 2.330 per month with effect from October 2 this year.

The decision will benefit about 170,000 freedom fighters drawing pension from Central revenues, and entail an additional funds of Rs 250 crore for the government, Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the Cabinet meeting which approved the decision.

At present, ex-Andaman freedom fighters are getting basic pension of Rs 5,000 per month, freedom fighters who suffered outside British India Rs 4,500 and members of the INA and others Rs 4,000.

The basic in each category has been increased by Rs 2,330, and with 58 per cent as dearness allowance, their pension will be Rs 10,000, Mr Chidambaram explained.

UNI