Thiruvananthapuram: In Kerala, 1,698 individuals are receiving pensions from the state government under the Kerala Freedom Fighter Pension Scheme (Kerala Swathanthrya Samara Senani). In addition, 3,429 people receive pensions under the Swathanthra Sainik Samman Yojana, a central government scheme.

These pensions are granted to living freedom fighters and to the next of kin of those who have died. Although the two schemes differ, eligible individuals may receive both pensions.

Under the Kerala Freedom Fighter Pension Scheme, each beneficiary receives ₹14,080 per month (as of 2023), plus Dearness Relief. Meanwhile, the Swathanthra Sainik Samman Yojana pays ₹26,520–₹30,600 per month and covers both living freedom fighters and families of the deceased.

Required documents and eligibility
The District Collector is responsible for identifying eligible recipients of the Kerala Swathanthrya Samara Senani (Kerala Freedom Fighter) pension, with district-level advisory committees constituted for this purpose.

To qualify for the Kerala scheme, applicants must have served a jail term of at least two years during the freedom struggle and provide proof of imprisonment. Applicants must also submit a certificate from a fellow prisoner who served at least one year.

For the Swathanthra Sainik Samman Yojana, eligibility requires at least six months’ imprisonment before India’s Independence. The scheme also covers those who served in the Indian National Army, if they were imprisoned outside India for at least six months.

Two schemes
The Kerala Swathanthrya Samara Senani Pension Scheme was launched on April 1, 1971, to honour those from Kerala who participated in the freedom struggle. The Swathanthra Sainik Samman Yojana, at the national level, was launched on August 15, 1972. Currently, 13,212 freedom fighters across India receive pensions.