PM Modi announces 20% hike in freedom fighters pensions

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a 20 percent hike in the pension of freedom fighters.

"Pension for our freedom fighters will be increased by 20 percent. So those who are receiving Rs 25,000 will now get Rs 30,000," Modi said in his address to the nation from the Red Fort here on the 70th Independence Day. 

He also announced that museums would be established in different states to glorify the role of lesser-known tribal freedom fighters.

"Tribals played an important role in out freedom struggle. Our government is planning to open museums all over the country to glorify their role so that future generations can know about their sacrifices," Modi said.

The government, last August, on the 73rd anniversary of the Quit India Day also increased the pension for freedom fighters by hiking dearness relief by 218 percent.

The present rate of pension is Rs 23,309 per month for political prisoners jailed in the Andamans, Rs 20,1291 for freedom fighters/spouses, Rs 4,770 for unmarried/unemployed daughters and Rs 10,064 for two spouses.

The total number central freedom fighters pensioners as on January 1, 2015 is 35,900.