Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana is a special scheme by the Indian Government to support freedom fighters and their families by giving them pensions. This plan is made to honour their sacrifices and to help them live with respect. The government started this pension scheme in 1972 and has updated it several times to increase the benefits. This article explains everything you need to know about the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana 2025, including how to apply, who can get the pension, and what benefits you can expect.
Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana 2025 – Pension Details
The Government of India offers monthly pensions to freedom fighters and their families under this scheme. Freedom fighters get Rs 300 per month, while their families receive between Rs 100 to Rs 200 monthly, depending on the number and size of eligible family members. Earlier, until 1980, pensions were given only to freedom fighters who needed financial help. After 1980, all freedom fighters became eligible to receive pensions.
Along with this, the government provides an additional Rs 50 each month for every unmarried daughter, up to a maximum of Rs 300. Since August 15, 2016, the pension amount also includes dearness relief to help with inflation.
Pension Support Continues for 2024-25 and 2025-26
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana for financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. This shows the government’s dedication to respecting freedom fighters during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. A budget of Rs 3,274.87 crore has been set, with about 23,566 beneficiaries currently receiving pensions across the country.
Main Facts About Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana
| Scheme Name | Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Who Can Benefit | Freedom Fighters & Their Families |
| Main Purpose | To Provide Monthly Pension |
| Year | 2025 |
Purpose of the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Scheme
This scheme honours freedom fighters by giving them a monthly pension so they can live a respected life. It also supports their eligible family members after the freedom fighter’s death. This helps improve their living standards and makes them more independent.
Benefits and Features of the Pension Scheme
- Monthly pension for freedom fighters and their families
- Pension amount depends on the number of eligible family members
- Initially started only for needy freedom fighters; now open to all
- Additional pension for unmarried daughters
- Run by the Ministry of Home Affairs
- 23,566 beneficiaries throughout India
Who Can Get Pension Under This Scheme?
The eligible dependents who can receive pension include:
- Widower or Widow (if not remarried)
- Unmarried Daughter(s)
- Mother
- Father
Only one dependent receives the pension at a time, in this priority order: widower/widow, unmarried daughter, mother, then father.
How Long Will Pension Last?
- The pension is for life.
- An unmarried daughter gets the pension until she marries.
- If the pensioner passes away, their heir must apply again with proof to continue receiving the pension.
Ways to Receive the Pension
- Through treasury or sub-treasury offices
- By money order if pension does not exceed Rs 250 (free of cost); otherwise, with commission charges
- Directly through bank transfers
Who is Eligible for Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana?
- Persons imprisoned for at least 6 months before India’s independence in mainland jail
- Ex-INA personnel imprisoned or detained outside India
- Women and SC/ST freedom fighters with a minimum of 3 months imprisonment
- Persons who stayed underground for more than 6 months due to arrest orders
- Interned or externed for 6 months or more
- Persons whose property was taken or sold because of their participation in the freedom struggle
- Those who became permanently disabled from firing or police action
- Individuals losing job or livelihood due to involvement in the freedom fight
- Families of martyrs
Documents Needed to Apply for the Pension
Proof of Imprisonment or Detention
- Certificate from jail authorities, district magistrate, or state government.
- If unavailable, co-prisoner certificate signed by MP, MLA, or former MP/MLA mentioning jail period.
Proof of Being Underground
- Court or government papers declaring the person as an offender or for their arrest/detention.
- If official records are missing, certificate from veteran freedom fighters imprisoned 5 years or more.
Proof of Internment or Externment
- Order or any official document showing internment or externment.
- If unavailable, certificate from respected freedom fighters jailed 5 years or more.
Proof of Loss of Property or Job
- Official orders regarding property confiscation or dismissal from work.
Other Important Documents
- Applicant’s photograph
- Two clear identification marks
- Sample signature and fingerprints (left thumb and finger)
- Proof of date of birth
How to Apply for Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana
- Visit the Freedom Fighter Division office under the Ministry of Home Affairs (https://www.mha.gov.in/).
- Get the application form.
- Fill the form clearly in the given format.
- Attach all needed documents as per the checklist.
- Submit the form to the Chief Secretary of your state or Union Territory government.
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