States asked to set up freedom fighter memorials: Rijiju

The Centre is taking steps for construction of memorials for martyrs of freedom struggle in Delhi, capitals of all states and Union Territories.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today said the Home Ministry has written a letter to the Culture Ministry, insisting on setting up a memorial for the martyrs of the freedom struggle in the national capital.
The Ministry is also writing letters to all states and Union Territories to establish such memorials in their capitals as well, he said.
The Minister was addressing the first meeting of the newly-constituted Committee of Eminent Freedom Fighters held here today.

Rijiju said the Centre will take all possible steps for ensuring the welfare of freedom fighters and 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, the Minister 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 said.

A transit accommodation for the veterans has been established in Delhi and they can stay there for upto 15 days at a stretch free of cost. The guest house is now being renovated and modern amenities would be added to it, he said.
Railways would be asked to give priority in giving lower berths to freedom fighters and the Seventh Pay Commission would look into the demands of raising monthly honorarium and family pension.
The committee of the veterans is comprised of eight representatives from the states of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh.
It has a tenure of two years and all states are given representation on a rotational basis. It normally meets twice every year.

Rijiju is on a three day-visit here along with members of the Committee of Eminent Freedom Fighters.
The committee has been constituted to look into the issues of concerns to the freedom fighters, their general problems and grievances, facilities to the freedom fighters and their eligible dependents and give suggestions for improvement.