Demand for a monthly ₹30,000 honorarium for democracy fighters in five South Indian states.

Himanshu Jain / The demand for honorariums and other facilities for those who were jailed to protect democracy, the Constitution and fundamental rights during the Emergency (1975‑77) has intensified. On behalf of the Nation Reconstruction Mission and the Indian Politics Association, a memorandum has been sent to the governments of Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala demanding the initiation of an honorarium of approximately ₹30,000 per month for democracy fighters.

The memorandum states that the Emergency was in force in the country from 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977. During this period, a large number of people were arrested and sent to jail under various sections to safeguard democratic rights and the Constitution. The organization refers to such individuals as democracy fighters and says their struggle and sacrifice should be honored.

The memorandum claims that in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Bihar, people jailed during the Emergency are receiving honorariums, medical facilities and other recognitions at various levels. On this basis, a similar arrangement is being demanded for the five southern states.

The Nation Reconstruction Mission and the Indian Politics Association have demanded that a special campaign be launched in Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to identify persons who were jailed under MISA or D.I.R. during the Emergency. They also request that eligible democracy fighters be provided with an honorarium of ₹30,000 per month along with free medical facilities.

The memorandum proposes free bus and rail travel for democracy fighters and the conferment of honors at government and state events. It further demands that the spouses of deceased democracy fighters continue to receive this benefit as a family pension.

The organization suggests forming a high‑level committee in each state to make the entire process transparent. The committee would identify eligible individuals based on old government records, prison records and available documents.

The memorandum states that this demand is not merely about financial assistance but about honoring those who fought for democratic values. The organization says governments should consider the matter empathetically and promptly issue policies and orders for the eligible persons.

This memorandum is presented on behalf of Dharmamurti / Pandit Lakshman Balyogi, Convenor – Nation Reconstruction Mission, Central President – Indian Politics Association, and Chief Administrative Trustee – Atal Bihari Sevagram Trust Council. The organization has appealed to the chief ministers of the five states to take a swift positive decision on this demand.