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Title : Need to approve the pending cases of S.S.S. pension relating to the state of Kerala.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN (KASARGOD): Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the Government to an important issue relating to freedom fighters. They are in the last days of their lives[r19] .
Sir, it was after a very long and relentless struggle that the Government of India had decided to recognise in 1998 some of the struggles in Kerala such as Punnapra Vayalar, Karivellor, Kayyyur and other struggles. The Government has sanctioned SSS pension to them also. Many of them are getting the pension. But, unfortunately, many of the persons, who had participated in the struggle, are not getting the pensions because of some technical objections.
There are the District-wise Advisory Committees as well as the State-wise Advisory Committees to scrutinize all these applications. It is only after the scrutiny that these pensions are sanctioned. There are High Court verdicts that if the persons are getting the State pensions, that should be the criteria to sanction for the Central pension also. But that is admitted only if these applicants have gone to the court. It is not possible for all the persons to go to the court. They are all old people and they are on the sick bed.
We are also going to celebrate our Independence Day within a short period of time. Actually, their number is very less and it is not possible to have more numbers in the future. So, it is the duty of the Government to help them and, I think, the Government can utilise this important occasion to help them. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The struggle for freedom is over. We are benefiting because of their struggle.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : Yes, we are benefiting because of their struggle, but they are not getting the benefit. So, the Government should take an immediate action, especially on the occasion of Independence Day, to give them pensions because the State Government has given. That is the decision of the Central Government also. The persons who have participated in the struggle and it is admitted by the State also, have to be taken into consideration.
SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN (TRICHUR): Sir, please allow me to associate with him.
SHRIMATI C.S. SUJATHA (MAVELIKARA): Sir, please allow me to associate with him.
SHRI K. FRANCIS GEORGE (IDUKKI): Sir, please allow me also to associate with him.
MR. SPEAKER: Yes. You all can associate with Shri P. Karunakaran.