The families of freedom fighters are still being ignored by the Government. Speaking to the families of freedom fighters, The Pioneer found that even after six decades of independence, they are yet to get jobs and bus passes. One such family has not even been granted the status of a freedom fighter's family.
Chandrakala Joshi said, "life was full of challenges for Taradutt Joshi in Azad Hind army. In 1945, he fought against the Britishers along with Subhash Chandra Bose and was sent to prision in Japan and then imprisoned in India. Two days before the announcement of his death sentence, India gained independence after which his life was saved." Chandrakala Joshi, 84, said that after her husband Taradutt Joshi in 1991, her life turned upside down. She had to feed two sons with a small amount of pension. The Government has not given them any support.
Banbarilal, son of freedom fighter Ramdayal Valmiki, said that his father took part in the fight against the Britishers and went to prison but even today we have not been granted the status of a freedom fighter's status. "According to the Congress, whoever comes under the category of a freedom fighter are enjoying,but even after so much of struggle and numerous applications to the Government, we have not been granted that status. My family is labouring hard to earn money. I have lost faith in Government.
The Government should work towards the welfare of the less privileged. Even after protesting I have lost all hope."Ravishankar Tiwari, 62, said that his father Paramanand Tiwari took part in the fight for freedom with enthusiasm. In 1942, he participated in 'Inqulab Zindabad Andolan' in Valia and was sent to prison for 16 years. In 1947 he was sent to Sitapur prison. After his death on April 6, 1977, his family went through a lot of crisis. The Government had given them 15 acres land in Indrapur, but it was not enough to support a large family of four sons and two daughters. His children are still looking for Government jobs.
Chandramohan Joshi, son of freedom fighter Gopal Dutt Joshi, said, "My father could not stop him from fighting against the Britishers. He never surrendered in front of them but made them surrender. My brother and I were very young that time and we were taught about the freedom struggle. However, today the Government has not been doing anything to support us. Even a bus pass was given with so much of difficulty, let alone other facilities. Whoever the leader is, the families due to whom the nation became independent, should be given support by the Government."