JAIPUR: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday announced a hike in the monthly pension for freedom fighters by Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 and the medical allowance to Rs 5,000 per month. Gehlot said, the pension for soldiers and war widows of World War II has been more than doubled, from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 per month by his government.The chief minister made the announcement at a function held at Birla Auditorium to mark the birth anniversary of social worker and Gandhian S N Subba Rao on Thursday.Gehlot said, freedom fighters would get a pension of Rs 25,000 per month instead of Rs 20,000 at present. The medical allowance would be increased by Rs 1,000 per month to Rs 5,000. The chief minister ruling out the demand for a complete ban on liquor in the state, said it was impractical.Citing the example of Gujarat which is dry state, Gehlot said, alcohol was being smuggled and consumed in that state in plenty. He was reacting to some suggestions at the event for liquor ban.The chief minister said a museum on Mahatma Gandhi would be set up in Rajasthan to promote the principals and preaching of the Father of the Nation, conducting research on his ideals and acts.Speaking on the present situation in the country, Gehlot alleged that the Constitution and democracy was in danger. "Some people use the name of Mahatma Gandhi to grab power, but they seldom follow his principles," he alleged.Gehlot speaking on his pro poor policies said state government had decided to to give wheat to 1.74-crore BPL families at Re 1 per kg.Social activist Medha Patkar was also present at the programme. During the function octogenarian freedom fighter from Bundi Dhannaram who came to attend the function fell sick. He was rushed to the SMS ICU. Immediately after his speech chief minister Ashok Gehlot went to the SMS hospital to enquire about his health.

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