Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY)

The Swatantra Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, known as SSSY, aims to provide financial assistance in the form of pension to the freedom fighters of India and their eligible dependents. This initiative was launched by the Central Government of India and became effective on 01.08.1980. This article delves into the details of the Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY) Pension scheme for freedom fighters.

Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana at a Glance

Initially, the 'Ex-Andaman Political Pensioners Pension Scheme' was introduced in 1969 to honor the freedom fighters jailed by the British in the Cellular Jail at Port Blair. Another scheme was launched during the Silver Jubilee of Independence on 15.08.1972, aimed at a similar cause, and both were merged in 1980 into the Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana. Today, the Indian government offers pensions to freedom fighters and their eligible dependents under the SSSY.

Continuation of Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY) for 2017-2020

The Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana 12th Five Year Plan concluded on 31.03.2017.
The Government of India approved the continuation of SSSY for 2017-2020, reinforcing its support for freedom fighters and their dependents.
The approved scheme ensures a monthly pension to freedom fighters and their eligible dependents.

Eligibility Criteria for Samman Pension

To qualify for the Samman Pension, freedom fighters must meet specific criteria:

Dependents of martyrs, persons who suffered a minimum 6-month imprisonment, those who remained underground for six months, or those whose property was affected due to the freedom struggle.
Participants who became incapacitated due to the struggle or lost their government job are also eligible.
Individuals penalized with 10 strokes of caning/flogging/whipping.

Exclusions from Samman Pension

Individuals whose properties have been restored or those reinstated in government service with pay/allowance benefits within two years from dismissal are ineligible.

Samman Pension Amount Breakdown

The pension amount for freedom fighters has been revised over time. The following table outlines the pension distribution during 2017-2020:

Category of the Freedom Fighter	Basic Pension from 15.08.2016 (per month)	Dearness Relief @3% from 01.07.2017	Total Pension (Rs. per month)
Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners/Spouses	Rs.30,000/-	Rs. 900/-	Rs.30,900/-
Freedom Fighters imprisoned outside British India/ Spouses	Rs.28,000/-	Rs.840/-	Rs.28,840/-
Other Freedom Fighters/Spouses (including INA)	Rs.26,000/-	Rs.780/-	Rs.26,780/-
Dependent parents/eligible daughters (max 3 daughters at any time)	50% of the sum admissible, Rs.13,000/- to Rs.15,000/-	Rs.390/- to Rs.450/-	Rs.13,390/- to Rs.15,450/-

Documents Required for Samman Pension Application

Applicants need to submit the following documents:

Relevant documents from official records or newspapers for dependents of martyrs.
Certificates from jail authorities, District Magistrates, or State Governments for imprisoned freedom fighters. You can find the necessary process here.
Documentary evidence for those declared absconders or subjected to government orders during the freedom struggle. Discover related services here.
Orders relating to property confiscation or employment dismissal for those who suffered such losses. If you need more guidance on asset management, you can click here.
Medical certificates or District Magistrate-issued documents for permanent incapacitation due to freedom struggle activities.

Application Process for Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana

To apply for the Samman Pension, follow these steps:

Submit a duly filled application form. Download the form here.
Complete the form with all the requisite details.
Send the form to the Chief Secretary of the concerned State Government/Union Territory.
Send a second copy to the Deputy Secretary, Freedom Fighters Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.
The state government/union territory administration will review the applications in consultation with the State Advisory Committee for validation. Check more government processes here.
Once verified, eligible applicants will be granted the pension.

Please note that the Samman pension will be awarded for a lifetime to unmarried daughters and will be terminated if they marry. Following the demise of a pensioner, eligible dependents must file a fresh application with the death certificate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana Pension Scheme in India.

The Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY) is a pension scheme implemented by the Government of India to provide monthly pension to freedom fighters and their eligible dependents who participated in India's struggle for independence from British rule.

Freedom fighters who suffered imprisonment, property damage, job loss, or permanent incapacitation due to their participation in the freedom struggle, as well as the dependents of martyred freedom fighters, are eligible to receive the Samman Pension under the SSSY.

The sequence of eligibility for dependents to receive the Samman Pension is as follows: widow/widower, unmarried daughters, mother, and then father, with only one person in the family eligible for the pension.

The monthly pension amount under SSSY varies based on the category of the freedom fighter, ranging from Rs. 26,780 for other freedom fighters/spouses to Rs. 30,900 for Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners/spouses as of 2017-2020.

The documents required to apply for the Samman Pension include official records, certificates from jail authorities, government orders, medical certificates, and other relevant documents to prove the applicant's or their dependent's participation in the freedom struggle.

To apply for the SSSY, an eligible person must submit an application in the prescribed format, along with relevant documents, to the Chief Secretary of their respective State/Union Territory and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

No, the Samman Pension provided under the Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana is not taxable.

The Samman Pension is granted for a lifetime to unmarried daughters of freedom fighters. However, the pension is canceled immediately upon their marriage.

If a pensioner under the SSSY passes away, their eligible dependents need to apply for the pension with a fresh application form and proof of the pensioner's death.

No, persons who were reinstated in government service before the expiry of two years from their dismissal or removal from service and received benefits or pay and allowances are not eligible for the Samman Pension under the SSSY.