The descendants and family members of Indian freedom fighters are eligible to receive a certificate recognizing their lineage. This certificate makes them entitled to various benefits and concessions offered by the government of India and different state governments as a mark of respect and honor.
Here is a detailed guide on the procedure to obtain a freedom fighter certificate if you are a descendant of an Indian independence activist.
Who Is Eligible To Receive This Certificate?
The following descendants/family members of recognized Indian freedom fighters can apply:
- Sons/daughters
- Grandsons/granddaughters
- Widow/widower
- Mother/father
- Siblings
The descendant applying must be an Indian citizen. They need to provide the requisite documents linking their relationship with the freedom fighter along with the application.
Benefits Of Getting A Freedom Fighter Certificate
Having a descendant/family member certificate helps you avail certain benefits offered by the government such as:
- Special consideration in government jobs and higher education
- Concessions on medical treatments
- Monthly pension
- Tax exemptions
- Free railway passes
- Special privileges for opening businesses
- Subsidies on land allotment
- Waiver of court fee
Documents Required To Apply
Here are the documents that need to be submitted along with the Freedom Fighter certificate application:
- Proof of relationship with the freedom fighter (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc)
- Residence proof
- Death certificate of the freedom fighter
- Published records of the freedom fighter’s contribution
- Archives mentioning the freedom fighter’s role
- Pension payment order of freedom fighter (if applicable)
- Newspaper reports (optional)
- Previous certificates issued to the freedom fighter
Get the documents attested by a gazetted officer. The government department may ask for additional documents if required later. For any query related to your Aadhar card or other documents, you can consider visiting UIDAI-Aadharhelp.in the site.
Where To Submit The Application?
The application form needs to be submitted to the Revenue Department or General Administration Department of your respective state government. You can obtain and submit the form at the district collector’s office.
Some states may allow applying through an online portal. Check with the administration before applying.
How To Apply For The Certificate?
Follow these step-by-step procedures to apply for a Freedom Fighter certificate as a descendant:
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
Get the form from the office of the district collector or tehsildar or download it from a state government website.
Step 2: Fill the Application
Provide the required personal details and details of the freedom fighter along with relationship proof. Paste passport-size photos.
Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents
Attach the self-attested copies of all the mandatory documents listed above along with the filled application.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application form along with documents and processing fees (if applicable) at the respective department office.
Step 5: Processing and Verification
The application will be processed by the department. They may verify the records and documents through various archives.
Step 6: Issue of Certificate
Once satisfied with the legitimacy, the department will issue the original freedom fighter descendant certificate bearing the required details.
Step 7: Receive the Certificate
You will be intimated once the certificate is ready. Visit the office personally with ID proof to collect the freedom fighter certificate.
The entire process may take up to 2 months based on the verification involved. Cooperate promptly if the department requires any additional information or records. Or it can be declined if the application and your documents are found to be missing or fake, especially with the Aadhar card. So, consider downloading an Aadhar card with mobile number safely to avoid such issues.
Renewal Of Freedom Fighter Descendant Certificate
Most freedom fighter certificates for descendants have a validity period, after which they need to be renewed by:
- Submitting a renewal application in the prescribed format
- Attaching a copy of the existing certificate
- Providing supporting documents again
- Paying renewal fees (if applicable)
This will facilitate the renewal of the certificate to avail of further benefits.
Conclusion
The contribution of our freedom fighters in getting India liberated from colonial rule is invaluable. This certificate for their descendants or family members is a small token of appreciation from the government’s side. It also provides access to certain benefits and concessions.
If you are a descendant of a freedom fighter, apply for this certificate by submitting the required documents and following the application process correctly. It will be a proud possession recognizing your lineage and their sacrifice for the nation.