The Central Government’s Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Yojana (SSSY) gives a monthly pension to India’s freedom fighters and their eligible dependents. It is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs and is a Central Sector Scheme. The scheme began on 15 August 1972 and has carried the name Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme since 1980. According to official figures, the scheme currently has 12,898 beneficiaries — 1,553 freedom fighters and 11,345 eligible dependents. 227 beneficiaries from Haryana are also covered — 16 freedom fighters, 200 spouses and 11 daughters.
How much pension is given
The basic pension was last revised with effect from 15 August 2016, and Dearness Relief (DR) stands at 56% with effect from 1 July 2025. The total monthly pension by category is — ₹46,800 for Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners and their spouses, ₹43,680 for freedom fighters who suffered outside British India and their spouses, and ₹40,560 for other freedom fighters (including INA) and their spouses. Dependent parents and eligible daughters (a maximum of 3 daughters at any point of time) receive 50% of the sum that would have been admissible to the freedom fighter.
Who is eligible
The pension is granted only to freedom fighters who fulfil the scheme’s eligibility and evidentiary requirements and apply through the concerned State Government. After the death of the freedom fighter, the pension can go to the spouse and to unmarried and unemployed daughters. One important change — under the Ministry’s October 2024 amendment, no new applications are entertained from original freedom fighters; claims of spouses and unmarried, unemployed daughters for dependent pension are considered only if applied for within three years of the death of the original freedom fighter.
Benefits along with the pension
Apart from the pension, the scheme provides these benefits — a free lifetime railway pass for freedom fighters and spouses along with one companion, free medical facilities under the Central Government Health Services (CGHS), and free transit stay with meals at State Bhawans in New Delhi for freedom fighters and eligible dependents along with one companion.
How to apply
Applications go to the Ministry of Home Affairs through the concerned State Government — they are not sent directly to the Ministry. Eligible families in Haryana should contact the State’s freedom fighter department or the district administration. The application must include proof of participation in the freedom struggle and documents of eligibility. After the pension is sanctioned, a Pension Payment Order (PPO) is issued and the pension comes into the bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension?
A: From ₹40,560 to ₹46,800 per month depending on category — Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners receive the highest, ₹46,800.
Q2: Who gets the pension after the freedom fighter’s death?
A: The spouse and unmarried, unemployed daughters — dependents receive 50% of the freedom fighter’s amount.
Q3: Can original freedom fighters still apply afresh?
A: No — after the October 2024 amendment, no new applications are taken from original freedom fighters; dependents must apply within three years of the death.
Q4: How many beneficiaries are there from Haryana under this scheme?
A: According to official figures, 227 beneficiaries from Haryana — 16 freedom fighters, 200 spouses and 11 daughters.
Useful links
- Ministry of Home Affairs official website: https://www.mha.gov.in/
- Pension amounts and beneficiaries (PIB): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2291044®=48&lang=2
- Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/sssps
- List of all 726 Central Government schemes: /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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