It's the responsibility of the government to take care of the financial needs of the freedom fighters,' said Subramanya, who was jailed for 12 months during the Quit India movement.

On Aug 9 state governor H.R. Bhardwaj hosted a reception for freedom fighters at his official residence, Raj Bhavan, to mark Mahatma Gandhi's Quit India call. It was there that the freedom fighters put forward their demands.

Their demands included an increase in their pension amount from Rs.3,000 per month to Rs.6,000, a hike in the amount they get for funeral rites from Rs.1,000 to Rs.5,000, jobs and education for their children and grandchildren and continuation of their pension to family members in case of their death.

The governor assured them that he would extend support and invited them to come and share their problems with him.

'If one of the compatriots has been forced to sell newspapers and tea, then it is a shame for the entire community. The government needs to address the issue,' said a freedom fighter from Arsikere town in Hassan district, about 180 km from Bangalore.

'Why do we have to beg for our rights? It's the duty of the state to look after the needs of the freedom fighters,' added the 89-year-old freedom fighter, who did not wish to be named.

According to figures available from the Karnataka Freedom Fighters Action Committee, there are around 5,000 surviving freedom fighters in the state now. The primary function of the committee is to address the problems of freedom fighters from across the state and seek the state's intervention to solve the problems.

However, the committee members have also warned the government not to entertain any fake cases. As of late there have been many fake cases of people claiming to be freedom fighters to get government benefits.

'The government should ask for a certificate and documents before considering the claim of a person to be a freedom fighter. Many dubious people in order to get government benefits are maligning the entire freedom fighters community of the country,' said Sreenivasaiah.

(Maitreyee Boruah can be contacted at m.boruah@ians.in)