Only 60 freedom fighters left in Kerala, HC seeks welfare fund be set up

Kochi, Aug 11 (IANS) With only around 60 freedom fighters now surviving in Kerala, most of them aged above 90, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday asked the Centre and the state government to consider creating a special welfare fund for them, including a mechanism to accept public contributions.

A division bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M.Syam Kumar issued the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation filed by Sabu Stephen seeking greater welfare measures and recognition for freedom fighters.

The petitioner told the court that around 60 freedom fighters were currently living in Kerala, of whom 27 were receiving the Central government’s freedom fighters’ pension and 33 the State pension.

He pointed out that all of them were above 90 and many were no longer physically capable of attending public functions.

The plea had sought several measures, including honouring the surviving freedom fighters on the 80th Independence Day on August 15, permission to hoist the national flag at their residences, and improved medical and financial assistance.

The bench, however, declined to issue directions on some of these demands, noting that none of the living freedom fighters was before the court and that the plea lacked sufficient material to establish that they were being denied adequate medical assistance.

It also declined the request to permit the national flag to be hoisted at their residences.

At the same time, the court appreciated the petitioner’s attempt to highlight the concerns of surviving freedom fighters and asked the state to consider enhancing welfare assistance in recognition of their contribution to the freedom struggle.

Significantly, the Bench said the state could consider increasing the minimum pension under the Kerala Freedom Fighters Pension Scheme to Rs 50,000 a month, keeping in mind the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters.

The court also directed the sate to create a portal containing updated details of all living freedom fighters who are eligible to avail themselves of welfare schemes, so that benefits can reach them without difficulty.

The Centre and state governments were further asked to consider creating a special welfare fund for freedom fighters and allowing members of the public to contribute to it.

The court’s intervention comes against the backdrop of a rapidly shrinking generation of freedom fighters, making the question of welfare and recognition increasingly urgent.

–IANS

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