The Maharashtra state government has announced a significant increase in the monthly honorarium for activists and social workers who were imprisoned for their role in safeguarding democracy during the 1975 Emergency. The decision, approved during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will see a considerable rise in the financial support provided to these individuals. Furthermore, the surviving spouses of these activists will also be eligible to receive the honorarium.
Under the revised scheme, those who spent over 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 less than a month will get Rs 10,000 per month, with their spouses receiving Rs 5,000.
Spouses must apply at the relevant District Magistrate’s office to avail of these benefits. For those who were imprisoned during the Emergency and passed away before January 2, 2018, their surviving spouses can apply with an affidavit.
The state government initiated the scheme in 2018 to honor these activists with a monthly honorarium. This enhancement aims to provide greater financial assistance to these individuals and their families.