Government approves continuation of Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana.

Why in news?

• The government has approved the continuation of the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY) and its components for the financial years 2021-22 to 2025-26, with a financial outlay of Rs 3,274.87 crore.

Overview:

• Under this scheme, freedom fighters, and their dependents are given financial benefits and pensions.
• Under this scheme, 23,566 beneficiaries are covered across the country.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs prepared the proposal for the continuation of the SSSY.
• The pension amount has been revised with time and since August 2016 Dearness Relief is also been given.

About Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana

• This is a scheme of the central government for granting pensions to freedom fighters and to their families. This grant is provided from the Central Revenues.
• As a gesture of respect for their contributions to the national freedom movement, the scheme provides a monthly Samman Pension to freedom fighters.
• After their demise, pension is given to their eligible dependents viz. unemployed and unmarried daughters, spouses, and dependent parents, as per the prescribed eligibility procedure and norms.