Freedom fighters in Gujarat get Rs 4,000 hike in pension

AHMEDABAD: Freedom fighters living in Gujarat will get a hike of Rs 4,000 in their monthly pension while the dependents of patriots who have passed away will receive a raise of Rs 2,000.

This was announced by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on the eve of 69th Independence Day.

After the increase of Rs 4,000, freedom fighters will now get a pension of Rs 10,000 per month from the government. Also, the dependents of freedom fighters who have passed away will receive Rs 7,000 in place of Rs 5,000 earlier.

In her address to the people of Gujarat, Patel listed several pro-public initiatives taken by her, including 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs, 50 per cent quota for women nominees in local body polls and construction of more than 4 lakh houses, among others.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister spent the day in Mahisagar district, about 150 km from here. In morning, she addressed a gathering of tribals at Santrampur village and then attended an assembly of women in Virpur village, an official release said.

Tomorrow, she will unfurl the tricolour at a function in Lunawada, Mahisagar district, to mark the Independence Day in the presence of Governor O P Kohli and other dignitaries.