Freedom Fighters Memorial to Come up in National and State Capitals: MoS (Home)

The Union Government is taking proactive measures for the construction of a memorial for the Martyrs of Freedom Struggle in New Delhi and is also writing to all States and Union Territories to establish them in their capitals as well. The Union Home Ministry has already written a letter to the Culture Ministry insisting upon the same, said Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home in Port Blair today. Addressing the first meeting of the newly constituted Committee of Eminent Freedom Fighters in the Islands capital, he said the Centre would take all possible steps for ensuring the welfare of Freedom Fighters. Government has agreed to reimburse the medical expenses of Freedom Fighters who take treatment under emergency conditions in private hospitals even if they are not empanelled by the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). However, he clarified that the reimbursement would be made as per the CGHS rates, and any demand for full payment would be screened by the CGHS Technical Standing Committee. This year, enhancement of Dearness Relief has been effected for the first time for the veteran freedom fighters and their family pensioners in August itself, he added.