In a major welfare boost for India’s veteran community, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents under various schemes managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board.
The revised assistance rates aim to enhance social security and improve the quality of life of non-pensioner veterans, widows, and their families belonging to lower-income groups.
Under the new approval:
- Penury Grant has been doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, ensuring sustained lifetime support for aged and non-pensioner ESM and widows above 65 years with no regular income.
- Education Grant has been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per child for up to two dependent children (Class I to Graduation) or for widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.
- Marriage Grant has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary, applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriages, for marriages solemnised after the issuance of the new order.
The enhanced benefits will come into effect for applications submitted from November 1, 2025, and will involve an estimated annual financial implication of ₹257 crore, funded through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) under the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.
This decision marks another significant step by the Ministry of Defence in strengthening the welfare framework for the country’s veterans and their dependents. It reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to honouring the service, sacrifice, and dignity of India’s Ex-Servicemen community.
