Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the state government will soon provide cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually to democracy fighters who resisted the Emergency imposed in 1975. He also said arrangements would be made to ensure that democracy fighters receive state honours during their last rites.
The announcements were made at a special programme in Lucknow marking the 51st anniversary of the Emergency, observed as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day). The Chief Minister honoured several democracy fighters and praised their sacrifices in safeguarding democratic values during one of the most challenging periods in independent India’s history.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said it was a matter of pride to honour those who endured imprisonment and hardships to protect democracy. He noted that Uttar Pradesh currently has 3,780 recognised democracy fighters and 1,461 dependents. Since 2018, the state government has been providing a monthly honorarium of ₹20,000 to democracy fighters and, after their demise, to eligible dependents. They are also entitled to free travel on all categories of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses, along with free treatment at government hospitals.
The Chief Minister said the proposed ₹5 lakh annual cashless health facility would further strengthen social security for democracy fighters. He added that the decision to accord state honours during their funerals would ensure future generations remember and respect their contribution to the preservation of democratic freedoms.
During the event, CM Yogi honoured several democracy fighters, including Bharat Dixit, Gaya Prasad Sonkar, Ram Singh Kushwaha of Hardoi, Vidya Ram Verma of Hardoi, Ajay Singh of Barabanki, and Om Prakash Gupta of Sitapur, all of whom had faced imprisonment during the Emergency.
Several democracy fighters also shared their experiences from that period. Bharat Dixit recalled arrests, protests, and alleged excesses carried out during the Emergency. Vidya Ram Verma recounted the emotional impact of those years, describing instances of arrests, imprisonment, and hardships faced by political activists. Their testimonies highlighted the personal sacrifices made in defence of democratic rights and constitutional values.
The event served as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and honouring those who stood up against authoritarianism during a defining chapter of India’s political history.
