This collection of letters from 1980-1981 details the efforts to secure a Freedom Fighters’ Pension for Smt. Depali Rani Bhowmick, the widow of Naresh Chandra Bhowmick.
The correspondence, primarily driven by Member of Parliament Chitta Basu, is addressed to Shri Nalini Guha and others. It reveals that the pension approval was pending confirmation from the West Bengal government regarding Naresh Bhowmick’s imprisonment in Dum Dum jail in 1942.
A notable inclusion is a letter from India’s then-Home Minister, Shri Zail Singh, clarifying the central government’s stance and the need for state-level verification. The letters underscore the bureaucratic hurdles involved in the pension process for freedom fighters’ families.
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Chitta Basu MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (LOK SABHA) सत्यमेव जयने Respected Nalini Da, 128, North Avenue, Now Delhi, Dt.1.7.1981, As you know, Smt. Depali Rani Bhowaick, wife of late Naresh Chandra Bhowmick, applied for Freedom Fighters' Pension, some time ago. The matter did not move till I intervened. The position taken by the Govt. of India in this regard is explained in the enclosed copy of letter received by me from Shri Zail Singh, Home Minister It is clear that she may get pension, if Govt. of West Bengal recommends her case. Naresh Chandra Bhowmick was one of our best colleagues and we all owe debt to hiw dix widow.Kindly move this matter in the Advisory Committee and clear the case as soon as possible, so that Smt. Depali Rani Bhowmick can get some relief in her days of distress. Kindly treat this as urgent. Yours sincerely, ✓ (Chitta Basu) Encl: As above. Shri Nalini Guha, 52/7, Bepin Behari Ganguli St., Calcutta - 12. Copy to: Smt. Dipali Rani Bhowmick W/o Late Naresh Chandra Bhowmick C/o Surabala Bhowmick Radham adh av Park Road, Silchar-I Gkx Cachar (Assam) per of artament 128, North Avenue Now Delhi. D.O. No.13/1053/72-FF EZ-II // copy // HOME MINISTER INDIA New Delhi Dated May 19, 1981. Dear Shri Basu, Please refer to your letter dated the 10th March, 1081 regarding grant of freedom fighters pension to Smt. Depali Rani Bhowmick widow of Shri Naresh Chandra Bhowmick of Cacha District, Assam, under Swantantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme 1972. 2. I have seen her case and find that in 1942, her husband had undergone imprisonment in Dum Dum jail. No official records have been produced We have supporting the claim of imprisonment. requested the StateGovernment of best Bengal for confirmation of thi's aspect. Necessary action will be taken on receipt of a report from them. with kind regards, Shri Chitta Basu, Member of Parliament 128, North Avenue New Delhi. Yours sincerely, Sd/- (Zail Singh) (True Copy) (SEAL) 128, North Avenue, New Delhi. Dt.28.8.80 Chitta Basu. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (LOK SABHA) Dear Shri Sarin, I send herewith a copy of letter I received from the Unuer Secretary to the Govt. of India Min.of Home Affairs in conne- ction with grant of pension to Smt. Dipali Rani Bhowmick W/O.Late Shri N.C.Bhowmick Cachar Dt. Assam, under Grant of Preedom fighters pension scheme.I personally known the applicant who is in extreme distress.I would therefore, request you to kindly get the matter examined properly and take necessary action. With best regards, Yours sincerely, Sll- (Chitta Basu) Enclo:-As above. Shri H.C.Sarin, Principal Advisor to the Governor of Assam. Gauhati. Copy to:-Smt. Deepali Rani Bhowmick for information. Atleted RPOS 26/2/81 Lecturer, আদেar Polytechnic, Mohezyer Cacbon, Nam