Didn’t do anyone a favour then, don’t want a favour now
Surekha Dalvi, Suresh Khairnar and Amrendra Dhaneshwar
By Shruti Ganapatye
Activsts and artists say they don't want to put a financial strain on the state. The money can be put to better use
Some of Maharashtra’s foremost voices for democracy and rights, who protested the Emergency, have refused to accept a special monthly pension announced for people jailed between 1975 and 1977, saying they merely did their duty as citizens.
The group of activists, leaders and artists said becoming a beneficiary of the pension programme, which was announced by the state on Wednesday, would send the wrong signal that agitators of various movements should be somehow rewarded. More importantly, such a scheme would put a tremendous strain on the state exchequer.
Dr Suresh Khairnar of Rashtra Seva Dal, socialist leader Pannalal Surana, activists Surekha Dalvi and Daniel Majhgaonkar, and singer Amrendra Dhaneshwar are among those who will not accept the money.
“It’s wrong to seek a pension for the anti-Emergency demonstrations. There have been countless agitations and movements in India. One cannot claim pension for taking a stand,” said Khairnar, who was lodged in Amaravati jail throughout the Emergency. “Even my father, who opposed the British rule, refused to accept pension for freedom fighters.”
The Janata Dal government that was elected in 1977 had also proposed a pension scheme, but it didn’t find favour.
Dalvi, who was a part of a students’ movement against the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, said she and thousands of others fought for restoration of citizens’ rights without any expectation for money or state benefits.
“Associating our efforts with some form of payment would be very insulting,” Dalvi said.
Dhaneshwar, who, as a student, suffered for 15 months inside Arthur Road Jail, also said he cannot accept a monthly pension for taking a stand for democracy. He was arrested for helping socialist leader Mrunal Gore to stay underground. “How can I demand pension? Why would I put a burden on the state exchequer?” he asked.
Surana and Mazhgaonkar shared similar sentiments.
Activsts and artists say they don't want to put a financial strain on the state. The money can be put to better use
Some of Maharashtra’s foremost voices for democracy and rights, who protested the Emergency, have refused to accept a special monthly pension announced for people jailed between 1975 and 1977, saying they merely did their duty as citizens.
The group of activists, leaders and artists said becoming a beneficiary of the pension programme, which was announced by the state on Wednesday, would send the wrong signal that agitators of various movements should be somehow rewarded. More importantly, such a scheme would put a tremendous strain on the state exchequer.
Dr Suresh Khairnar of Rashtra Seva Dal, socialist leader Pannalal Surana, activists Surekha Dalvi and Daniel Majhgaonkar, and singer Amrendra Dhaneshwar are among those who will not accept the money.
“It’s wrong to seek a pension for the anti-Emergency demonstrations. There have been countless agitations and movements in India. One cannot claim pension for taking a stand,” said Khairnar, who was lodged in Amaravati jail throughout the Emergency. “Even my father, who opposed the British rule, refused to accept pension for freedom fighters.”
The Janata Dal government that was elected in 1977 had also proposed a pension scheme, but it didn’t find favour.
Dalvi, who was a part of a students’ movement against the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, said she and thousands of others fought for restoration of citizens’ rights without any expectation for money or state benefits.
“Associating our efforts with some form of payment would be very insulting,” Dalvi said.
Dhaneshwar, who, as a student, suffered for 15 months inside Arthur Road Jail, also said he cannot accept a monthly pension for taking a stand for democracy. He was arrested for helping socialist leader Mrunal Gore to stay underground. “How can I demand pension? Why would I put a burden on the state exchequer?” he asked.
Surana and Mazhgaonkar shared similar sentiments.
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