The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved an increase in pension for freedom fighters and their eligible dependents under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, 1980. The existing annual dearness relief system is replaced with a bi-annual dearness relief mechanism similar to central government employees. Furthermore, the pension scheme is being transitioned to an Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to facilitate easier withdrawals and digital life certification. Pensioners are required to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers to streamline the disbursement process. This order is effective from August 15, 2016.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved an increase in pension for freedom fighters and their eligible dependents under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, 1980. The existing annual dearness relief system is replaced with a bi-annual dearness relief mechanism similar to central government employees. Furthermore, the pension scheme is being transitioned to an Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to facilitate easier withdrawals and digital life certification. Pensioners are required to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers to streamline the disbursement process. This order is effective from August 15, 2016.