Bhubaneswar, January 2: Hailing the freedom fighters for their immense contribution to Indian freedom struggle, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that a life-size statue of former Chief Minister and freedom fighter Dr Harekrushna Mahtab will be installed in a prominent location in the capital city of Bhubaneswar.

Majhi made this announcement during 39th Freedom Fighters Mahotsav organised at Swadhinata Sangrami Sadan ground here to commemorate the death anniversary of former Chief Minister and freedom fighter Utkal Keshari Dr Harekrushna Mahtab.

“Dr Harekrushna Mahtab always stands against injustice. He was one of the prominent figures in the Indian freedom struggle. A full-size statue of Dr Mahtab will be installed in a strategic location in Bhubaneswar,” said Mahtab.

“The State Government is committed towards social security and all-round welfare of freedom fighters and their families. Our Government has increased monthly pension for people who were detained in jails during the Emergency from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Similarly, 152 persons who suffered imprisonment under the MISA Act are being given Rs 20,000 pension,” said Majhi.

Maintaining that the sacrifices made by the freedom fights are beyond valuation, Majhi said, “Our Government has also increased the monthly pension amount of those who actively participated in the freedom struggle but did not face imprisonment will from Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000.”

Family members of freedom fighters from Odisha and other States attended the event.

During the observation, Chief Minister Majhi also inaugurated a photo exhibition based on the life of Dr Harekrushna Mahatab.