The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has implemented a 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their dependents, following approval by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The increased support is being provided through schemes managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare via the Kendriya Sainik Board.
The MoD stated that this move underscores the government’s commitment to recognising the service and sacrifice of veterans. In a social media post, the Ministry said the hike in assistance reaffirms the Government’s dedication to supporting ex-servicemen and their families.
The increased grants include:
- Pensionary Grant: Raised from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month for elderly or non-pensioner ESM and their widows over 65 years without regular income.
- Education Grant: Increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per child for up to two dependent children (from Class I to graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.
- Marriage Grant: Doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary, applicable to up to two daughters of ESM or for widow remarriages for marriages after the announcement.
These schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, part of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). The MoD said the decision strengthens the social security safety net for non-pensioner ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups, reaffirming the government’s commitment to honouring veterans’ service and sacrifice.
