Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, visited the First in Battle Air Defence Brigade to assess its training, operational preparedness, and multi-domain capabilities.
During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed on key operational aspects, including security protocols, joint training initiatives, and integration of advanced air defence systems.
The discussions focused on enhancing interoperability and combat effectiveness in evolving threat scenarios.
Commendation for Operational Excellence and Humanitarian Efforts
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth commended the Brigade for its relentless efforts in:
Strengthening air defence preparedness through rigorous training and advanced tactical deployments.
Maintaining excellence in administration and force readiness.
Providing crucial support in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Gujarat, showcasing the Army’s commitment to assisting civilian populations in times of need.
He lauded all ranks for their high morale, professionalism, and dedication to upholding the highest standards of operational excellence, reinforcing the Brigade’s pivotal role in national security and disaster response.
Flying Officer Tanushka Singh has made history by becoming the first woman pilot to be permanently assigned to the prestigious Jaguar fighter jet squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This remarkable achievement not only highlights her personal dedication and skill but also marks a significant milestone for women in the armed forces, breaking barriers that have long existed in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Tanushka hails from a distinguished military family, which undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping her aspirations. Her father, Lieutenant Colonel Ajay Pratap Singh (retired), and her grandfather both served in the armed forces, instilling a sense of duty and patriotism within her from a young age. Though her roots are in Uttar Pradesh, she has called Mangaluru home since 2007, proudly identifying as a “Kudla girl.”
Education Journey
Tanushka’s educational background reflects her commitment to academic excellence. She completed her Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) at DPS MRPL School in Suratkal. Following this, she pursued pre-university studies at Sharada PU College in Mangaluru, where her passion for science flourished. With an unyielding determination to serve her country, she enrolled at the Manipal Institute of Technology, earning a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2022.
Early Aspirations
From her childhood, Tanushka dreamed of joining the armed forces. However, she initially envisioned a career in the Indian Army. As she explored her options, she realized that the Indian Air Force offered broader opportunities for women, prompting her to make the pivotal decision to pursue a career as an Air Force pilot.
Jaguar Fighter Jet IAF
Training and Commissioning
Rigorous Training at the Air Force Academy
After successfully navigating the selection process, Tanushka embarked on an intense training regimen at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. Her training lasted for 18 months, where she honed her skills and prepared for the challenges ahead. Following her commissioning, she underwent an additional year of specialized training as a fighter pilot, where she became proficient in flying the Hawk MK 132 aircraft.
The Transition to the Jaguar Squadron
Currently on a brief leave in her hometown, Tanushka is set to join the Jaguar squadron for active duty. While other female pilots have flown the Jaguar fighter jet for training purposes, her permanent assignment to the squadron is a groundbreaking achievement, symbolizing a shift in the IAF’s approach to gender inclusivity.
The Jaguar Fighter Jet
A Key Asset of the IAF
The Jaguar fighter jet is renowned for its capabilities in military operations, playing a vital role in the IAF’s fleet. This aircraft is designed for tactical strike missions and is equipped with advanced avionics and weaponry, making it a formidable asset in the air. Tanushka’s induction into this elite squadron underscores her exceptional skills and the trust the IAF places in her abilities.
The Significance of Representation
Tanushka’s assignment to the Jaguar squadron is not only a personal triumph but also a significant step for female representation in the military. Her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring female pilots and reinforces the message that women can excel in roles traditionally held by men.
Reflections on Her Journey
The First Flight Experience
Recalling her first training flight, Tanushka expressed a mix of excitement and determination. “I felt no fear—only joy. That was the moment I knew this was the life I had always wanted,” she shared. This sentiment reflects her passion for flying and her unwavering commitment to her chosen path.
Encouraging Future Generations
In her interactions with young aspirants, Tanushka emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, integrity, and leadership skills for anyone considering a career in the armed forces. “Anyone with these qualities should definitely give it a try,” she advises, encouraging others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
The Road Ahead
Embracing Challenges
As she prepares to embark on her new journey with the Jaguar squadron, Tanushka acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. The path of a fighter pilot is demanding, requiring resilience and adaptability. However, her strong foundation and military heritage equip her to face these challenges head-on.
A Role Model for Many
Tanushka Singh’s story is one of perseverance and breaking barriers. She stands as a role model for aspiring female pilots, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, it is possible to achieve one’s dreams. Her journey serves as a reminder that the sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning.
Flying Officer Tanushka Singh’s historic assignment to the Jaguar fighter jet squadron is a landmark achievement for both her and the Indian Air Force. As she takes to the skies, she carries with her the hopes and aspirations of countless young women who dream of following in her footsteps. Her journey exemplifies the spirit of courage, dedication, and excellence that defines the armed forces.
In line with the Indian Army’s focus on a tech-infused, future-ready force, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Gajraj Corps conducted a comprehensive operational preparedness review of field formations at the Ball of Fire Division.
Enhancing Combat Readiness with New-Generation Equipment
The review highlighted the integration of advanced technology and new-generation equipment, with an emphasis on:
Modernized Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to enhance battlefield effectiveness.
Capability enhancement through the incorporation of cutting-edge operational assets.
Refined battlefield strategies ensuring rapid adaptability to evolving combat scenarios.
Maintaining Operational Excellence
The GOC commended all ranks for their unwavering dedication, recognizing their commitment to high professional standards. He urged formations to remain ever-prepared to ‘Fight Forward & Fight Fiercely,’ reinforcing the Army’s mission to maintain combat superiority and strategic readiness.
This review reflects the Indian Army’s continuous transformation in the Year of Transformation, ensuring enhanced operational readiness and capability development to meet emerging security challenges effectively.
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), chaired a landmark logistics exercise at Chandimandir, focusing on the transformation of Army logistics in light of infrastructural advancements and technological integration.
Deliberations on Futuristic War Logistics
The high-level exercise brought together senior military leaders, including:
Deputy Chief of Army Staff
Director General Operational Logistics
Heads of various logistic verticals from Army Headquarters
The discussions centered on next-generation logistics concepts, leveraging digital solutions, automation, and modern supply chain methodologies to enhance efficiency, mobility, and sustainability in battlefield logistics.
Recognizing Excellence in Military Logistics
On this occasion, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani felicitated achievers who have made notable contributions in logistics innovation, operational efficiency, and technology-driven advancements in supply chain management within the Army.
The exercise marks a significant step toward modernizing Indian Army logistics, ensuring seamless and responsive support systems in future military operations.
The focus on infrastructure enhancement and technology infusion reaffirms the Army’s commitment to self-reliance, agility, and operational preparedness in evolving conflict scenarios.
Air Marshal MS Sridhar, Deputy Chief (Med), HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), conducted a comprehensive review of 159 General Hospital and 307 Field Hospital to assess their operational readiness and medical response capabilities in challenging environments.
During the visit, the DCIDS (Med) closely examined:
Disaster Management Preparedness at 159 General Hospital, ensuring its readiness to handle mass casualties and medical emergencies.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Preparedness of the Quick Reaction Medical Team (QRMT) from 4011 Field Hospital, evaluating response protocols for specialized emergency scenarios.
Penthouse ADS (Advanced Dressing Station) from 307 Field Hospital, assessing its capability to provide rapid medical support in forward operational areas.
These evaluations are critical for maintaining high standards of medical readiness, ensuring that armed forces medical teams are fully equipped to respond swiftly and effectively in combat, disaster relief, and CBRN contingencies.
The visit reaffirmed the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to strengthening battlefield and crisis medical response, ensuring uninterrupted and advanced healthcare support for personnel operating in high-risk environments.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited Southern Air Command, where he was briefed on upcoming joint user airfields and air bases in the Lakshadweep archipelago, a key strategic initiative aimed at bolstering India’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Strengthening Strategic Air Capabilities in IOR
The comprehensive update highlighted the role of new airbases in enhancing maritime surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and operational synergy between the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard. These airfields will play a critical role in securing vital sea lanes, countering emerging threats, and strengthening India’s strategic posture in the IOR.
Showcase of Emerging Technologies and Maritime Innovations
During the visit, General Anil Chauhan was also briefed on various innovations and emerging technologies being developed to enhance maritime domain awareness and operational effectiveness. These included:
Advanced surveillance systems for persistent monitoring of maritime activities
Integrated air and naval operational frameworks for faster response and coordination
Technology-driven enhancements for force projection and security operations in remote island territories
The visit underscored the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to modernizing its capabilities in the maritime domain, ensuring India’s continued dominance and security in the strategically significant Indian Ocean Region.
The Military Band of 39 Gorkha Training Centre, Varanasi, proudly represented the Indian Army at the 262nd Nepal Army Day Parade in Kathmandu, performing alongside military bands from the United Kingdom and the United States.
During the grand celebration, the Indian Army band showcased their exceptional musical skills, symbolizing the strong historical and cultural ties between India and Nepal.
Their participation reinforced the deep-rooted military camaraderie and the longstanding association between the Indian and Nepalese armed forces.
General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nepal Army, commended the Indian Army Band for their outstanding performance and presented them with a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’, recognizing their contribution to the event.
The participation of the Indian Army Band in Nepal Army Day 2025 reflects the enduring military cooperation, shared heritage, and mutual respect between the two nations.
This cultural and military exchange further strengthens the defence partnership and strategic ties between India and Nepal, fostering greater regional collaboration and goodwill.
Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, delivered a thought-provoking address on “Shaping Tomorrow’s Strategic Leaders for Adaptive Leadership in a Transformative Environment” during the Strategic Leadership Seminar organized by the Army Management Studies Board (AMSB) at the Army War College, Mhow.
Key Insights on Strategic Leadership
During his talk, Lt Gen Sengupta emphasized that strategic leadership is not confined to age or seniority, as even tactical-level actions can have significant strategic implications. He underscored that future threats are becoming increasingly complex, making strategy formulation more challenging and requiring dynamic, well-informed decision-making.
Highlighting the principles of strategic planning, the Army Commander stated that good strategy cannot be developed in isolation. Instead, military leaders must consider the instruments of national power—diplomatic, informational, military, and economic (DIME)—while balancing Ends, Ways, Means, and Risks to ensure effective decision-making.
Preparing Leaders for a Transformative Future
The session focused on the need for adaptive leadership in an evolving security landscape, where leaders must integrate strategic foresight, operational flexibility, and multi-domain awareness. Lt Gen Sengupta reinforced the importance of holistic leadership development, preparing officers to navigate uncertainty and make impactful strategic decisions in the modern battlefield.
The Strategic Leadership Seminar at Army War College continues to serve as a critical forum for shaping future military leaders, fostering intellectual rigor and strategic thinking in the Indian Armed Forces.
Military service demands unwavering dedication, and the Indian Army rewards this commitment through its robust pension system. Over 3.2 million veterans and their families currently benefit from this time-tested framework that safeguards their financial future after years of devoted service to the nation.
Your rank, service tenure, and retirement circumstances shape your pension benefits significantly. Each element plays a vital role – from a newly retired jawan’s monthly pension to the comprehensive benefits package for senior officers. These components work together to determine the final pension amount that supports your post-retirement life.
This definitive guide unlocks every crucial aspect of the military pension framework. You will master the pension calculation methods, understand eligibility requirements, and discover additional benefits designed for servicemen.
The guide also equips you with essential knowledge about recent pension reforms and walks you through the complete disbursement process, ensuring you’re fully prepared to secure your retirement benefits.
Understanding Indian Army Pension Structure
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare stands guard over the military pension framework, meticulously managing pension regulations for Army, Air Force, and Navy personnel. Their steadfast commitment ensures veterans and their families receive their rightful financial security.
Rank wise likely estimated increase (in rupees) in service pension under OROP w.e.f. July 01, 2019:
Rank
Pension as on 01.01.2016
Revised pension w.e.f. 01.07.2019
Likely arrears from 01.07.2019 to 30.06.2022
Sepoy
17,699
19,726
87,000
Naik
18,427
21,101
1,14,000
Havildar
20,066
21,782
70,000
Nb Subedar
24,232
26,800
1,08,000
Sub Major
33,526
37,600
1,75,000
Major
61,205
68,550
3,05,000
Lt. Colonel
84,330
95,400
4,55,000
Colonel
92,855
1,03,700
4,42,000
Brigadier
96,555
1,08,800
5,05,000
Maj. Gen.
99,621
1,09,100
3,90,000
Lt. Gen.
1,01,515
1,12,050
4,32,000
Basic Components of Army Pension
Military pension rests on two foundational pillars – the service element and disability element. Every pensioner receives 50% of their last drawn emoluments or the average of reckonable emoluments from their final 10 months, selecting whichever proves more beneficial. No pensioner receives less than the guaranteed minimum of ₹9,000 monthly.
Service requirements reflect the distinct responsibilities of different ranks:
Rank Category
Minimum Service Required
Commissioned Officers
20 years
Personnel Below Officer Rank
15 years
Types of Military Pensions
Your service circumstances determine your pension category:
Service Pension: Standard retirement benefit equaling 50% of last drawn emoluments, awarded after completing mandatory service
Family Pension: Safeguards dependents with 30% of last drawn emoluments after natural death, never falling below ₹9,000 monthly
Special Family Pension: Provides enhanced support at 60% of last drawn emoluments when death links to military service
Liberalized Family Pension: Matches last drawn emoluments fully, honoring supreme sacrifices in war, counter-insurgency operations, and terrorist encounters
Disability Pension: Merges service benefits with disability support, reaching 30% of last drawn emoluments for complete disability
War Injury Pension: Delivers full emoluments for invalided cases and 60% for discharge cases with complete disability
This robust system currently serves over 26 lakh Armed Forces pensioners and family pensioners, welcoming approximately 55,000 new beneficiaries yearly. The extensive disbursement network spans 21 Public Sector Banks, 3 Private Sector Banks, 308 Treasuries, and 64 Defense Pension Disbursing offices nationwide.
Calculating Basic Service Pension
Your military pension represents the nation’s recognition of your dedicated service years. The calculation framework ensures every serviceman receives their due through a precise, rank-based formula that honors both service duration and pay scale distinctions.
Pay Scale and Grade Pay Considerations
Your pension calculation rests on the foundation of last drawn emoluments. These crucial components shape your final pension:
Pay in the pay band
Grade pay
Military Service Pay (MSP) – enhanced to ₹5,200 monthly for JCO/ORs
Classification allowance (where applicable)
‘X’ Group pay (if applicable)
Years of Service Impact
Your service tenure directly influences your pension entitlement:
Rank Category
Required Service
Full Pension Eligibility
Commissioned Officers
20 years
50% of last drawn pay
Personnel Below Officer Rank
15 years
50% of last drawn pay
Pension Calculation Formula
The One Rank One Pension (OROP) framework governs your pension calculation. For post-January 2006 retirees, service pension stands at 50% of emoluments last drawn or average of reckonable emoluments from final 10 months, choosing the higher amount.
Master these calculation steps:
Basic Calculation: Half of maximum pay scale, including highest classification allowance for final rank held continuously through last 10 months before discharge
Revised Pension Computation: Pre-2006 PBOR calculations follow this battle-tested formula:
Maximum scale of pay × 1.86
Add 50% of highest classification allowance
Add Military Service Pay
Add ‘X’ Group pay (if applicable)
Divide total by 2 for final pension amount
Post-2006 retirees receive calculations based on actual emoluments from their final 10 months of service. OROP ensures equal pension for personnel retiring in identical ranks with matching service lengths, regardless of retirement date.
Your pension undergoes strategic revision every five years, maintaining equilibrium between past and present retirees. This commitment reflects in numbers – between 2015 and 2018, the government released ₹10,795.40 crore as OROP arrears.
Additional Pension Benefits
The Indian Army honors its warriors with specialized pension benefits beyond basic service pension. These provisions stand testament to our nation’s sacred duty towards those who bear battle scars and the families of our fallen heroes.
Disability Pension Rates
Disability pension honors your sacrifice through dual support channels. The service element secures 50% of your last drawn reckonable emoluments, while the disability element provides 30% of last drawn emoluments for 100% disability. Warriors with disabilities below 100% receive proportional support, though disabilities under 20% do not qualify for the disability element.
Key Features of Disability Pension:
Battle-worthy threshold starts at 20% disability
Graduated support matches disability percentage
Service element remains your steadfast right
Enhanced benefits shield those with 60%+ disability
War Injury Pension
War injury pension stands as your fundamental right, not mere consideration, as recently affirmed by the Kerala High Court. Your sacrifice earns you:
Circumstance
Pension Rate
Invalided Out Cases
100% of last drawn emoluments
Discharge Cases
60% of last drawn emoluments
This shield extends to brave warriors injured during indigenous weapons testing, reflecting our commitment to every soldier’s sacrifice.
Special Family Pension
Special Family Pension guards the future of families who lose their warriors to service-related circumstances. These families receive 60% of the last drawn reckonable emoluments, ensuring dignity and security.
Notable Aspects:
Assured minimum shield of ₹7,000 monthly
Protection extends across family members
Steadfast support continues post widow remarriage
Equitable distribution provisions for dependents
Recent court verdicts have fortified these provisions, declaring them earned rights rather than charitable gestures. These benefits represent our nation’s unwavering pledge to protect those who guard our borders and their loved ones.
Pension Reforms and Changes
Military pension reforms herald a new chapter in veterans’ welfare. These groundbreaking changes reshape pension calculation and disbursement methods, touching the lives of millions who served our nation with distinction.
One Rank One Pension Implementation
One Rank One Pension (OROP), launched in 2015, stands as a milestone achievement in military pension history. This landmark policy guarantees equal pension for personnel retiring in the same rank with matching service years, regardless of retirement date. OROP’s impact resonates through these achievements:
Secured benefits for more than 25.13 lakh armed forces pensioners and their families
Dedicated ₹23,638 crore for arrears spanning July 2019 to June 2022
Sustained annual commitment of ₹8,450 crore at 31% Dearness Relief
6th and 7th Pay Commission Impact
The 7th Central Pay Commission ushered powerful changes affecting 13.86 lakh armed forces personnel. These vital reforms include:
Reform Area
Implementation Details
Pension Formulation
2.57 times multiplication of current basic pension
Pension Revision Schedule: Five-yearly revision cycles maintain equilibrium between past and present pensioners
Family Pension Benefits: Enhanced support through:
Swift arrears disbursement to war widows
Special provisions for gallantry award winners
Protected higher pension rates for existing beneficiaries
Digital Transformation: SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) serves over 32 lakh defense pensioners
The Supreme Court’s endorsement of OROP’s constitutional validity reinforces these reforms. Systematic pension revisions continue every five years, with the next milestone set for July 1, 2024. This unwavering commitment reflects in numbers – ₹57,000 crore invested over eight years, averaging ₹7,123 crore annually for OROP implementation.
Documentation Requirements
Meticulous documentation safeguards your pension rights. The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare mandates specific documentation protocols, ensuring seamless pension disbursement across all military pension categories.
Essential Documents for Pension Processing
Master these crucial documentation requirements for your pension claim:
Document Type
Number of Copies
Purpose
Pension Application Form
1
Basic pension claim
Joint Photographs
4
Identity verification
Service Book
1
Service verification
Specimen Signatures
3
Authentication
Medical Certificate
1
For disability cases
Death Certificate
1
For family pension
Submit these battle-ready documents to your Record Office six months before retirement. Timely submission stands guard against pension delays.
Verification Process
Document verification marches through precise stages:
Initial Document Submission
Record Office receives unit pension papers
Service records undergo thorough scrutiny
Photographs and signatures face authentication tests
Battle-tested experience reveals these frequent challenges:
Incomplete Documentation:
Joint photographs missing from formation
Unsigned application forms breaking ranks
Service records showing gaps in timeline
Verification Delays:
Traditional paper processing demands month-long campaigns
Document spelling errors trigger tactical delays
Service record mismatches call for strategic verification
Modern warfare against delays deploys online verification systems, empowering retiring officers to authenticate their pension documents. This digital arsenal processes 500-700 monthly grievances through pgportal.gov.in.
Mission-Critical Considerations:
Immediate verification of pensionary awards upon PPO receipt
Swift reporting of PPO corrections to Command (Head of Office)
Precise submission of disabled dependents’ details
Annual November deployment of life certificates
Digital verification systems stand as force multipliers, accelerating documentation processing while maintaining precision. State governments maintain additional support positions, ready to assist veterans facing documentation challenges.
Pension Disbursement Process
The Indian Army deploys a powerful network of agencies to deliver pension benefits to veterans nationwide. This battle-tested system ensures every rupee reaches its rightful recipient with precision and reliability.
Payment Channels
Strategic pension deployment serves over 26 lakh Armed Forces pensioners and family pensioners, welcoming 55,000 new beneficiaries annually. Our forces maintain these distribution strongholds:
Disbursement Agency
Number of Units
Public Sector Banks
21
Private Sector Banks
3 (HDFC, ICICI, Axis)
Defense Pension Disbursing Offices
64
Treasuries
308
Post Offices
1
Pay Accounts Offices
5
Three dedicated Pension Paying Offices (PPOs) serve our veterans stationed in Nepal.
PPO dispatch from Pay & Accounts Office to CPAO concludes before the final working day of pre-retirement month
CPAO advances Bank PPO segment to CPPC by retirement month’s 20th day
Head of Office presents pensioner’s PPO portion on retirement day
Monthly pension deployment completes on month’s final day
Banking Procedures
Centralized Pension Processing Centers (CPPCs) stand as command centers for pension operations. These centers execute vital missions:
Disbursement Operations:
Bank resources fuel pension payments
RBI provides daily reinforcement
PCDA (P) receives detailed payment intelligence
Transfer Protocols: Strategic pension mobility includes:
Internal bank relocations
Single annual inter-bank transfers within station
Cross-station bank transitions
The System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA) (SPARSH) now leads pension administration modernization. This advanced system coordinates every mission phase from sanction through final deployment.
Command center statistics reveal 600-1000 monthly veteran representations. Digital operations process 500-700 additional grievances through pgportal.gov.in, maintaining real-time status updates.
Taxation and Deductions
Your military pension carries distinct tax advantages that honor your service to the nation. These provisions safeguard your financial interests while ensuring compliance with income tax regulations.
Tax Benefits for Army Pensioners
Your pension taxation follows service-specific guidelines. Section 10(14) of the Income Tax Act shields disability pensions from taxation. This protection covers both service and disability elements, securing financial stability for disabled veterans.
Special Category Benefits:
Pension Category
Tax Status
War Injury Pension
Fully Exempt
Gallantry Award Winners
Complete Exemption
Disability Pension
Total Exemption
Family Pension (War Casualties)
Fully Exempt
Gallantry award recipients – Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and other decorated warriors – receive complete tax exemption on their pension. This honor extends to their families, perpetuating recognition of supreme sacrifice.
Applicable Deductions
Strategic tax provisions strengthen your financial position:
Standard Deduction:
Old tax regime benefit
Excluded from Section 115BAC (new regime)
₹50,000 shield for pensioners
Special Family Pension Deduction:
₹15,000 or 1/3rd pension protection
Enhanced shield of ₹25,000 planned for FY 2024-25
Applicable across both tax regimes
Veterans aged 75 years and above stand exempt from return filing under Section 194P when pension and interest form their sole revenue. This provision requires:
Specified bank pension receipt
Interest earnings from same bank
Bank declaration submission
Income Tax Filing Guidelines
Your tax filing duties align with specific protocols:
Documentation Arsenal:
Form 16 from pension authority
Bank statement pension records
Disability certification
Gallantry award papers
Disability pension warriors must report their exempt income separately in ITR forms. Pension disbursing authorities maintain precise TDS calculations.
Filing Duty Thresholds:
Regular Pensioners: Above ₹2.5 lakh yearly
Senior Citizens (60-80 years): Above ₹3 lakh
Super Senior Citizens (80+ years): Above ₹5 lakh
The Department stands ready, processing 600-1000 monthly pension queries. Digital support through pgportal.gov.in handles 500-700 monthly concerns, ensuring swift resolution of your tax matters.
Grievance Resolution
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare commands the frontlines of pension-related concerns, processing 600 to 1000 monthly representations. Your right to proper pension stands protected through multiple resolution channels.
Common Pension Issues
Veterans face these battlefield challenges:
Documentation Challenges:
PPO discrepancies disrupting pension flow
Service record verification hurdles
Disability certification holdups
Family pension documentation gaps
Processing Delays: Pre-2006 cases face particular resistance, with banks struggling to navigate pension parameters. PCDA-P’s reliance on legacy documentation methods creates additional obstacles.
Redressal Mechanisms
Your concerns receive attention through these powerful channels:
Grievance Channel
Features
Processing Time
Online Portal (CPGRAMS)
500-700 monthly cases
Electronic tracking
Defense Pension Adalat
8,997 resolved cases
On-spot decisions
Direct Representation
600-1000 monthly cases
Written responses
State Government Mechanisms
Local resolution
Varies by state
Defense Pension Adalat:This warrior’s forum stands victorious with 8,997 resolved cases out of 9,075. Your benefits include:
Direct dialogue with authorities
Immediate decision deployment
Fresh intelligence sharing
Remote area accessibility
Online Grievance System: CPGRAMS strengthens your position through:
Live complaint tracking
Digital case processing
Direct command communication
SMS/email battle updates
Appeal Process
Unresolved matters advance through structured appeal channels:
First Appeal:
Six-month submission window from initial decision
Record Office/Service Headquarters authority
Appellate Committee scrutiny
Consensus-driven resolution
Second Appeal:
First Appeal verdict challenge rights
Six-month submission timeline
Special committee jurisdiction
Casualty Pensionary Awards Rules foundation
A Joint Secretary-rank officer leads grievance operations, commanding:
Initial grievance assessment
Strategic authority routing
Multi-channel follow-up
KSB network coordination
Your grievance advances through precise stages:
Department-level screening
Authority deployment to:
Service Headquarters
Records Offices
Pension Sanctioning Authorities
ECHS
State Governments
Persistent follow-up through:
Digital tracking
Email communications
Official correspondence
Voice coordination
PBOR warriors and families in remote territories receive special consideration. Defense Pension Adalats position near their locations, ensuring justice reaches every corner.
This resolution framework maintains battle readiness through:
Regular intelligence updates
Multiple communication lines
Clear appeal protocols
Documented resolution paths
175 pension Adalats since 1987 demonstrate unwavering commitment to veterans’ concerns. The system evolves continuously, incorporating field feedback and tactical improvements to serve you better.
Conclusion
The Indian Army pension system stands guard over the financial dignity of those who guarded our borders. This sacred covenant between the nation and its warriors ensures security for 3.2 million veterans and their families through distinguished pension categories, tax shields, and landmark reforms like OROP.
Your service to the nation earns you access to dedicated support battalions – from pension adalats to digital grievance portals. Modern pension deployment systems, fortified with tax advantages and special honors for disabled veterans and gallantry award winners, uphold the nation’s solemn promise to its brave sons and daughters.
Remember, your pension rights demand vigilance. Master your documentation requirements, honor submission timelines, and understand grievance resolution channels. These weapons in your arsenal guarantee uninterrupted pension flow through your golden years of honor.
FAQs
Q1. What is the basic pension structure for Indian Army personnel?
The basic pension for Indian Army personnel is typically 50% of their last drawn emoluments or the average of reckonable emoluments during the last 10 months, whichever is more beneficial. A minimum pension of ₹9,000 per month is guaranteed for all categories.
Q2. How does the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme affect military pensions?
OROP ensures that uniform pension is paid to Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of their retirement date. This scheme has benefited over 25 lakh pensioners and involves a significant annual expenditure to maintain parity between past and present retirees.
Q3. What are the tax benefits available for military pensioners?
Military pensioners enjoy several tax benefits. Disability pensions are fully exempt from income tax. Gallantry award winners and their families receive complete tax exemption on their pensions. Additionally, standard deductions are available under certain conditions, and pensioners aged 75 and above may be exempt from filing returns under specific circumstances.
Q4. How does the grievance resolution system work for pension-related issues?
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare handles pension-related grievances through multiple channels, including an online portal (CPGRAMS), Defense Pension Adalats, and direct representations. These mechanisms process hundreds of cases monthly, with Defense Pension Adalats being particularly effective in resolving issues on the spot.
Q5. What additional pension benefits are available for disabled veterans?
Disabled veterans are eligible for a disability pension that combines a service element (50% of last drawn emoluments) and a disability element (up to 30% of last drawn emoluments for 100% disability). War injury pensions offer even higher rates, with 100% of last drawn emoluments for invalided out cases and 60% for discharge cases with full disability.
The Indian Army has officially released the Merit List for SSC Tech 64 (Men) and SSCW Tech 35 (Women) for the April 2025 Course. Candidates who have cleared the selection process can now check their names in the merit list.
However, being on the merit list does not guarantee a joining letter, as it is subject to medical fitness, vacancy availability, and submission of all required documents.
Important Points to Note:
Medical Examination Not Considered: The merit list does not take into account the results of medical examinations.
Submission of Documents: Candidates who have not submitted all required documents must submit a self-attested scanned copy at the earliest through the official Indian Army website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in under the ‘Feedback/Query’ section.
Joining Letters (JL): These will be issued based on the merit list, subject to meeting all eligibility criteria and medical fitness.
Vacancies:
SSC Tech 64 (Men): Vacancies available for multiple engineering disciplines.
SSCW Tech 35 (Women): Limited vacancies available in specific branches.
Medical Examination: Candidates who have not undergone a medical test should complete it as soon as possible.
Document Submission: Ensure all required documents are uploaded to the Indian Army portal.
Awaiting Joining Letters: Candidates who are medically fit and within the vacancies will be issued joining letters as per merit and eligibility.
Final Words:
Congratulations to all selected candidates for making it to the merit list! The SSC Tech 64 and SSCW Tech 35 courses offer an excellent opportunity to serve the Indian Army as commissioned officers. Stay updated with further notifications and ensure all necessary formalities are completed in time.
