A chapter detailing the excesses and repression during the 1975-77 Emergency, as well as the spirited resistance against it, will be added to the Madhya Pradesh school curriculum, announced Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Speaking on Wednesday, Yadav also revealed new benefits for “Loktantra Senanis” (democracy fighters) who opposed the Emergency, which marked its 50th anniversary on June 25.

To educate the current generation about the Emergency’s challenges, the curriculum will include lessons on the country’s situation during the period, the repression faced, and the determination of those who resisted the then-Congress government’s actions, Yadav said.

Addressing a gathering of former democracy fighters at his Bhopal residence, Yadav announced several benefits for them. These include a 50% discount on stays at government circuit and rest houses, toll exemptions on highways, and timely payment for medical expenses through Ayushman health cards. In case of serious health issues, air ambulances will be provided for travel to major hospitals.

Yadav also mentioned a 25% fare discount under the state’s air taxi service for these fighters. Their last rites will be conducted with state honors, and the funeral assistance for their families will increase from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. Additionally, family members of democracy fighters will receive training to help them secure employment or start businesses.

The Emergency, imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, led to the jailing of opposition leaders, suppression of dissent, and press censorship.

Source: PTI

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