Dhami announces legislation for welfare of Loktantra Senani in upcoming monsoon session
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that a legislation for the welfare of Loktantra Senani will be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha. He made this announcement during the observance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, held at the CM residence in Dehradun on Wednesday.
On this occasion, Dhami honoured Loktantra Senani and their families and also interacted with former detainees jailed during the Emergency. Dhami also instructed the appointment of a nodal officer at the State level to ensure timely resolution of Loktantra Senani’s issues. He also directed officials to simplify the process of providing honorarium to them and ensure that certificates are issued without delay. Dhami stated that the monthly honorarium given to Loktantra Senani will be increased and annual honour ceremonies will be held in their recognition.
Recalling the imposition of Emergency on 25 June 1975, Dhami said it was a direct attack on the soul of the Constitution. He said the decision was taken due to one leader’s authoritarian attitude after the Allahabad High Court found then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral misconduct and cancelled her Lok Sabha membership. Following that, fundamental rights were suspended, Press freedom was curbed and opposition leaders, journalists and activists were imprisoned.
He stated that leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Nanaji Deshmukh raised voice against Emergency. He said that their determination helped safeguard democratic values. He credited PM Narendra Modi for recognising their contribution by observing 25 June as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. Dhami added that Uttarakhand is setting examples for the nation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of Loktantra Senani.
