Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme 2026: Pension for Freedom Fighters and Families
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Quick answer
This scheme offers pensions to freedom fighters and their families, including dependents like parents and unmarried daughters. Applications can be made offline by requesting forms from government offices and submitting the required documents.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Pension for Freedom Fighters and Dependents |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Home Affairs |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme is a central government programme that provides pension benefits to those who participated in India's freedom movement. It recognises their sacrifices by offering a pension for life or until specific conditions are met. The scheme also extends benefits to eligible dependents of deceased freedom fighters.
Benefits
- Monthly pension of ₹30,900 for ex-Andaman political prisoners and spouses.
- Monthly pension of ₹28,840 for freedom fighters who suffered outside British India and spouses.
- Monthly pension of ₹26,780 for other freedom fighters including INA and spouses.
- Dependent parents and eligible daughters receive a pension ranging from ₹13,390 to ₹15,450 per month.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- A person who suffered at least six months of imprisonment before Independence.
- Ex-INA personnel imprisoned outside India are eligible.
- Women and SC/ST freedom fighters with at least three months of imprisonment from 01.08.1980 are eligible.
Who cannot apply
- Heirs of a pensioner do not automatically succeed to pension; they must apply afresh.
- Pension ceases immediately after unmarried daughters marry or become independent.
Documents required
- Certificate from jail authorities or district magistrates.
- Court or government orders for underground or internment status.
- Orders of confiscation or sale of property, dismissal or removal from service.
- Photograph, two identification marks, signature/thumb impression, and date of birth at the time of receiving pension.
How to apply
- 1Request a free application form from the State Government/UT or the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- 2Fill in all mandatory fields and attach required documents.
- 3Send the first copy to the Chief Secretary of the concerned State/UT.
- 4Send the second copy as an advance to the Deputy Secretary, Freedom Fighters Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.
Frequently asked questions
What documents are needed at the time of receiving the pension?+
A photograph, two prominent identification marks, specimen signature or thumb impressions duly attested, and date of birth.
Where should the second copy of the application be sent as an advance?+
To the Deputy Secretary, Freedom Fighters Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi - 3.
Where should the second copy of the application be sent?+
To the Chief Secretary of the State Government/Union Territory concerned.
How can applicants obtain the application form?+
By requesting a free copy from the State Government/UT or the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Are movements for the merger of princely states included in the freedom movement?+
Yes, movements after 15th August 1947 are considered part of the freedom movement.
What movements are part of the National Freedom Struggle?+
Movements against British, French, and Portuguese rule aimed at India's freedom.
What is the definition of a martyr under this scheme?+
Someone who died or was killed in action, detention, or received capital punishment during the freedom movement.
What are the conditions for internment or externment to qualify?+
Internment or externment for six months or more.
Who qualifies as an eligible dependent?+
Mother, father, widow/widower if not remarried, and unmarried daughters, in that order.
How are broken periods of imprisonment counted?+
They are totalled up to determine the qualifying period.
Is the period of undertrial counted?+
Yes, if the trial ended in conviction, it counts towards actual imprisonment.
What is the significance of remission in imprisonment?+
Up to one month of remission is considered part of actual imprisonment.
How is imprisonment defined?+
Detention under orders of the competent authority.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)