Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said Dr Harekrushna Mahatab led and inspired several movements and protests in Odisha during the freedom struggle and later, while paying tribute on Mahatab’s 39th death anniversary here.Speaking at a programme, Majhi said observing All-India Independence Struggle Day on Mahatab’s death anniversary was a unique connection and a matter of pride for Odias. He said Mahatab held a distinct place among the country’s leading freedom fighters.
Majhi announced that the state govt will install a full-length statue of Dr Mahatab in Bhubaneswar. He said it was a moral duty to honour eminent personalities of the state and added that, under the inspiration of PM Modi, the govt observed birth and death anniversaries of such figures in their native villages.Addressing freedom fighters and their families, Majhi said the govt ensured due recognition for freedom fighters and those who fought during the Emergency. He said the pension for freedom fighters jailed during the Emergency increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, with benefits extended to their spouses and unmarried daughters.He said the monthly pension for freedom fighters who were not jailed rose from Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000. A monthly pension of Rs 20,000 is being provided to 152 freedom fighters arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency, he added.Works, law and excise minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said Odisha’s present territorial identity would not have been possible without Dr Mahatab. He said Mahatab laid the foundation for development in infrastructure, industry, agriculture and irrigation in the state.
