Even 65 years after India's independence, about 23,000 freedom fighters in Bihar continue to receive 'Swatantrata Senani Samman Pension' (Freedom Fighters' Pension).
In what now appears to be a scam, the Union home ministry was surprised to find out that the number of such pensioners has not come down in the last three years.
The home ministry has now sought verification of the number of these pensioners.
According to an official in the state government, the home ministry officials also found that the number of dependents had surpassed the actual number of freedom fighters.
"Freedom fighters, who died have left behind widows or dependent unwed daughters, who are eligible for the pension," he said.
"Bihar has the highest number of freedom fighters in the country who are getting pension," he added.
The Bihar government has asked magistrates of all 38 districts to send treasury-wise details of pension payment order numbers.
Freedom fighters get a pension of Rs 10,000 and perks from the Centre in addition to state government help. The Bihar government provides them a pension of Rs 2,000 per month. Apart from this, a freedom fighter is entitled to railway pass for unlimited travel to any place in India.
Eight years ago, a large number of people faking to be freedom fighters were found in Bihar following an inquiry conducted by official agencies.
