Independence Day gift: Govt hikes pension for tyagis

In his speech during the 72nd Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George in Chennai, Palaniswami said the pension would be hiked from Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000 and the family pension drawn by their descendants would be increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,500. 

The pension given to descendants of eminent freedom fighters such as Marudhu brothers, Veerapandia Kattabomman, Muthuramalinga Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathy and VO Chidambaram will also be increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,500, he said.

While the 1857 sepoy mutiny is considered as the first war of Independence, there was a similar revolt even earlier in 1806 that took place in Vellore, the CM said, adding that, “We should be proud about the fact that Tamil Nadu sowed the seeds of Indian independence.”

He listed the names of the freedom fighters and said that they had sacrificed a lot for attaining freedom. To remember and respect their contributions and to take their legacy to the future generations, the State government is involved in constructing memorials for them as well as conducting official functions.

Honouring their sacrifice, the State provides them with pension, free medical service, free bus travel, priority in government appointments besides various other benefits, he said.

“Independence Day is the time we look back at the contribution of the freedom fighters and their help in building the country in the last 71 years,” said Palaniswami. 

He further said that the present government is fulfilling the dreams of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The State continues to remain in the top spot in providing basic amenities to the people. 

The usual fervour attached with Independence Day celebrations organised at Fort St George was missing on Wednesday as there was incessant rainfall, which resulted in a dip in public patronage.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who took the ceremonial guard of honour in an open jeep, hoisted the flag following which the national anthem was played. 

However, very few people and school students were present due to the rain. Heavy security arrangements also discouraged people from attending the function. Only the invited guests and students with ID cards were spotted.

After the function, several awardees under various categories were honoured by Palaniswami. While leaving the Secretariat campus, he distributed sweets to differently-abled children, who were inmates of various homes in the city. 

Meanwhile, two women commandos placed for security in front of B1 dais fainted even as the function was under way. They were immediately attended to by officials who were present nearby. After being provided with water, the commandos were shifted from the spot.