Maharashtra Resumes Emergency Pension: Pune Beneficiaries to Get Rs 1.47 Crore

Pune, 5th December 2024: The Maharashtra government has initiated the disbursal of pending pensions for citizens imprisoned during the Emergency (1975–1977), following the conclusion of the model code of conduct for the assembly elections. A total of Rs 9.75 crore has been transferred to district collectors statewide for the October-to-December period, with Pune district receiving Rs 1.47 crore.

According to the state’s directive, Pune has 586 eligible beneficiaries who will soon begin receiving their pensions. These beneficiaries are categorized based on their duration of imprisonment during the Emergency and are entitled to monthly honorariums of Rs 2,500, Rs 5,000, or Rs 10,000. The amount will be transferred directly to their bank accounts in the coming weeks.

For the 2024–25 fiscal year, the government approved a financial provision of Rs 50.63 crore, of which Rs 9.75 crore has been disbursed for the last quarter of the year. Pune district’s allocation of Rs 1.47 crore covers three months, amounting to Rs 49.25 lakh per month.

The state’s Under Secretary, Bhagyashree Bhaidkar, issued the orders for fund distribution. District collectors will now oversee the transfer of pensions to eligible citizens.

The Emergency, declared between June 25, 1975, and March 21, 1977, saw the imprisonment of many citizens who opposed the government. In January 2018, the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved a scheme to honor these individuals with a pension. However, the scheme was discontinued on July 31, 2020, under the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, citing financial constraints due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Following a change in state leadership, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reinstated the pension scheme. The revival ensures financial assistance for those affected by the Emergency.

The monthly honorariums are distributed as follows:
Individuals imprisoned for more than one month: Rs 10,000
Surviving spouses of such individuals: Rs 5,000
Individuals imprisoned for less than one month: Rs 5,000
Surviving spouses of such individuals: Rs 2,500