Date:26/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/26/stories/2007062651500600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Pension for 10,000 freedom fighters in A.P.

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Independence Day will be celebrated in Andhra Pradesh with a difference this time to mark the sesqui-centenary of the first Indian War of Independence in 1857.

Ahead of the celebrations, the Government will clear all the 10,000-odd applications of the freedom fighters so that they receive pension by Independence Day.

Freedom fighters are presently covered by two pension schemes, one funded by the Centre (monthly Rs 10,000) and another by the State (Rs 1,000). Now, the Central pension is paid to about 7,000 freedom fighters in the State and State pension to about 1,800.