The Maharashtra government has decided to enhance the monthly honorarium for the leaders, activists, and social workers who were imprisoned during the Emergency of 1975. The decision was made during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reflecting a commitment to recognize the sacrifices made by these individuals. The surviving spouses of these activists will also benefit from this increased financial support.
According to the new provisions, those who spent more than a month in jail during the Emergency (June 25, 1975, to March 31, 1977) will now receive Rs 20,000 per month. Their surviving spouses will be granted Rs 10,000 monthly. Activists imprisoned for a period shorter than a month will receive Rs 10,000 per month, with their spouses receiving Rs 5,000.
To claim the benefits, spouses must apply at the respective District Magistrate’s office. If an activist who was imprisoned during the Emergency died before January 2, 2018, their surviving spouse can apply with an affidavit.
The state government initiated the scheme in 2018 to honor and support these activists, and this recent update aims to provide enhanced financial aid to them and their families.