The Odisha state government has announced a significant welfare measure for individuals imprisoned during the 1975-1977 Emergency period. Choose the correct statement regarding this? 1. All living individuals who were jailed during the Emergency will receive a pension of Rs 50,000 per month. 2. The benefits will be available to those who are alive as of January 1, 2025 3. States like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Assam have similar pension schemes in place for Emergency detainees.

The correct answer is Only 2 and 3 In News The Odisha state government has introduced a scheme to provide a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 to individuals who were imprisoned during the National Emergency period from 1975 to 1977 under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) . (Hence statement 1 is incorrect) Key Points The pension scheme also includes coverage for medical expenses for eligible recipients who are still alive as of January 1, 2025 . (Hence statement 2 is correct) The official announcement was made by the Home Department of Odisha on January 13, 2025 . The scheme targets Odisha residents who were imprisoned during the Emergency period, with committees set up at the state and district levels to identify eligible individuals. The pension will be granted to individuals who were alive as of January 1, 2025 , regardless of their detention duration, starting from January 1, 2025 . Odisha joins other states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Assam , which have similar pension schemes for Emergency detainees. (Hence statement 3 is correct) The Odisha government has emphasized its commitment to providing support to those affected during the Emergency. In addition to the pension, the government will cover medical expenses and provide health insurance and railway benefits for eligible individuals. Eligible individuals must submit an application to the Collector and District Magistrate , with required documentation including proof of detention, names of three co-detainees, and an affidavit confirming imprisonment under MISA. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the pension and benefits were introduced in response to requests from former detainees . The estimated annual expenditure for this scheme is Rs 8 crore , benefiting over 300 individuals in Odisha. Anti-national or criminal activities will lead to revocation of benefits , and individuals using false documents will face legal action and be required to repay the money with 12% annual interest . Additional Information Haryana : Launched a scheme offering a ₹10,000 monthly pension to residents who were imprisoned under MISA or Defence of India Act during the Emergency (1975-1977). Madhya Pradesh : In 2018, the state replaced the 2008 rules, offering a pension of ₹25,000 for those jailed over a month and ₹15,000 for those jailed less than a month during the Emergency. Chhattisgarh : Announced restoration of pensions for MISA detainees, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000, based on detention duration. Rajasthan : Revised the pension for 'Democracy Fighters' to ₹20,000 per month in the 2024 Budget. Assam : Announced a ₹15,000 monthly pension for over 300 people jailed during the Emergency. Important Points What did MISA do? Gave law enforcement agencies more power. Allowed the government to detain people for maintaining internal security, public order, and essential services. Was used to detain political opponents, journalists, and social activists during the Emergency (1975-1977). What happened to MISA after the Emergency period? The Janata Party government repealed MISA in 1977 after Indira Gandhi's defeat. A pension scheme was restored for those detained under MISA. Some sections of MISA: Section 3 : Gave Central and State governments the power to detain people. Section 8 : Required the government to disclose reasons for detention. Section 14 : Allowed the government to revoke detention orders.