Widows of Ex-Servicemen play a pivotal role in preserving the legacy and sacrifices of the Armed Forces. In recognition of their service and the challenges they face, the Government and various welfare organizations have instituted multiple schemes and grants. These measures aim to provide financial stability, medical support, educational opportunities, and avenues for employment.

State/UT-wise Distribution of Widows of Ex-Servicemen

As of December 31, 2024, there are 7,40,766 registered widows of Ex-Servicemen across India. The table below provides a comprehensive State/UT-wise breakdown:

Financial Assistance and Family Pension

Widows of Ex-Servicemen receive Family Pension as a primary form of monthly assistance. This pension amount is periodically reviewed based on the recommendations of Pay Commissions. In addition, a Dearness Relief (DR) component is adjusted from time to time to combat inflation, which further increases the pension amount.

Welfare Schemes and Grants

The Government regularly reviews and enhances welfare schemes for war widows and families of Armed Forces personnel. Below is a consolidated table highlighting some key grants and their recent revisions/enhancements:

Employment on Compassionate Grounds

Officers

• Widows of Defence Personnel:
  • Vacancies are reserved for widows of Ex-Servicemen and Wards/Children of Battle Casualty in Officer Selection of the Indian Army.
  • Eligible widows receive preference for Short Service Commission (Technical) and Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) (Women entry).
  • Age relaxation up to 35 years is also provided.
• Vacancies Earmarked
  • Short Service Commission (Non-Technical): 1 vacancy for a widow of Defence Personnel
  • SSC NCC (Men): 7 vacancies for wards of Battle Casualty
  • SSC NCC (Women): 1 vacancy for wards of Battle Casualty

Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) / Other Ranks (OR)

• Women Military Police: War widows of defence personnel who have died in harness are eligible to apply for enrolment.

Civil Defence Employment

• According to the DoP&T Office Memorandum No. 14014/1/2022-Estt(D) dated August 02, 2022, compassionate appointment can be granted to the dependent family member of Defence Civilian employees as well as Armed Forces Personnel only against Group ‘C’ direct recruitment posts.

Housing Scheme

• Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) has a 3% quota reserved for widows in each of its housing projects, ensuring that they have a fair opportunity to secure affordable housing.

The Government of India, in collaboration with various welfare agencies, continues to review and enhance policies for widows of Ex-Servicemen to ensure their well-being and financial security. From monthly pensions and family assistance to grants for marriage, medical treatment, and education, these measures aim to provide holistic support. Furthermore, employment opportunities on compassionate grounds, along with special housing quotas, help safeguard the dignity and future prospects of the widows of our country’s brave soldiers.

These initiatives collectively underline the nation’s gratitude and commitment to the families of those who have dedicated their lives in the service of the country.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan delivered an insightful address to the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces during the Joint Capsule (JOCAP) at the Tri-Services War Colleges, held at the Army War College (AWC), Mhow. His address emphasized the evolving security landscape, the need for a coordinated response to emerging threats, and the importance of joint operational preparedness.

Strengthening Jointness for National Security

Highlighting the changing dynamics of modern warfare, General Chauhan urged officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force to develop pragmatic strategies that build Future-Ready organizations and capabilities. He emphasized that seamless coordination between the three services and other national institutions is vital to safeguarding India’s security interests.

The Joint Capsule (JOCAP) serves as a strategic forum where officers from all three services participate in wargaming exercises, operational discussions, and cross-service knowledge sharing, fostering an environment of joint planning and execution. This initiative aligns with India’s vision of integrated military operations, ensuring synergy in tri-services warfare doctrines.

Launch of the Latest Edition of Def Tech Journal

As part of his visit, General Chauhan released the latest edition of the Def Tech Journal, a prestigious publication of Army War College with a legacy spanning over 50 years. The journal focuses on advancements in defence technology and disruptive innovations, with the current edition exploring the theme of Technology Absorption in alignment with the Indian Army’s modernization vision.

The publication serves as an important repository of research and analysis on military technology, contributing to India’s defence preparedness by tracking global technological trends and their military applications.

Army War College – A Pillar of Tri-Services Synergy

Established as the College of Combat, the Army War College (AWC), Mhow, has been instrumental in training senior officers across all three services in warfare tactics, logistics, and military doctrine. Since its renaming in 2003, AWC has become a center of joint military education, offering courses like the Higher Command Course (HCC) that contributes to a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Defence Management.

The five-week JOCAP program, conducted annually at AWC, fosters tri-services synergy through strategic discussions, operational wargames, and leadership development initiatives. The program has hosted senior military officers from all three services, reinforcing the importance of joint operational planning and inter-service cooperation in modern conflicts.

Charting the Path to a Future-Ready Force

General Chauhan’s interaction with the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces underscores the Indian military’s commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and strategic foresight. With the rapid evolution of global security challenges, his message reaffirmed the need for innovation, technological integration, and operational jointness in preparing India’s defence forces for the future.

The visit and discussions at Army War College, Mhow, reflect the military’s long-term vision of transformation, ensuring India remains prepared for multi-domain operations, joint warfare, and future challenges on land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indore, where he was briefed on the Centre of Expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Quantum Computing, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO), and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI). The visit underscored MCTE’s pioneering role in technological innovation, research, and training methodologies for modern warfare applications.

MCTE: A Hub for Defence Technology and Innovation

Established in 1911, MCTE is the premier training and research institution for the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, specializing in telecommunications engineering, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and military communication systems. It plays a critical role in training officers, fostering research, and integrating emerging technologies into defence operations.

During his visit, General Chauhan reviewed various cutting-edge initiatives undertaken by MCTE to enhance collaboration with academia, startups, and government agencies, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of defence technology innovation. The college’s efforts align with the “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” vision, which aims to transform India into a global technology leader.

Strengthening India’s Defence Tech Ecosystem

The CDS commended MCTE’s role in driving research and innovation, modernizing training methodologies, and adopting emerging technologies to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. With advancements in 5G communication, quantum computing, and AI-driven warfare, the institution is playing a key role in future-proofing India’s military.

By fostering collaborations with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), academia, and private startups, MCTE is bridging the gap between defence requirements and indigenous technological solutions. The in-house R&D initiatives at MCTE further highlight its commitment to self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

A Vision for Future Warfare

General Anil Chauhan’s visit to MCTE underscores the growing emphasis on technology-driven defence modernization. As India moves towards network-centric and AI-enabled warfare, institutions like MCTE will remain instrumental in developing advanced communication, cyber, and electronic warfare capabilities for the Indian military.

The CDS reaffirmed that MCTE’s research and training programs will play a crucial role in shaping India’s military preparedness, ensuring that the Armed Forces remain technologically superior and combat-ready for future challenges.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited the Infantry School, Mhow, where he was briefed on the training methodologies and technological advancements in Professional Military Education (PME). Commandant Lieutenant General Gajendra Joshi provided insights into the evolving nature of infantry training, modernization efforts, and the school’s approach to preparing Future-Ready warriors.

Infantry School: The Cradle of Tactical Excellence

Located in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, the Infantry School is the largest and oldest military training institution of the Indian Army. It plays a critical role in developing and imparting infantry tactics, techniques, and operational strategies suited for varied terrains and combat scenarios. The institution is responsible for shaping junior officers and leaders, training them in tactical warfare, special missions, and modern battle strategies.

Apart from its core training functions, the Infantry School also nurtures India’s National Shooting Team through the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), demonstrating its contribution beyond conventional military education.

Emphasis on Innovation, Learning & Future Warfare

During his interaction, General Anil Chauhan stressed the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and adaptability in modern warfare. With rapid advancements in technology-driven military operations, he emphasized that India’s armed forces must evolve through cutting-edge training programs to stay ahead in asymmetric and hybrid warfare scenarios.

The CDS lauded the Faculty and student officers for their unwavering commitment to professional excellence. He acknowledged their role in enhancing India’s defence preparedness, developing future battlefield leaders, and strengthening national security through progressive military education.

Strengthening India’s Combat Readiness

As the Indian Army continues to modernize its training infrastructure, institutions like the Infantry School play a pivotal role in ensuring that officers and soldiers remain agile, adaptable, and technologically proficient.

The visit of the CDS highlights the military’s focus on harnessing next-generation warfare capabilities, ensuring that India’s infantry formations are well-equipped to meet evolving security challenges with precision and efficiency.

Lieutenant General Harbinder Singh Vandra, Chief of Staff (COS), Sapta Shakti Command, visited ‘The Valiant Wings’ on March 11, 2025, to assess their Operational Preparedness and Combat Readiness. The visit focused on evaluating the unit’s strategic capabilities, technological advancements, and overall mission readiness in line with evolving warfare dynamics.

During his review, Lt Gen Vandra commended the unit for their professionalism, high morale, and unwavering dedication to achieving operational excellence.

He also applauded their innovative integration of niche technologies, highlighting the importance of tech-centric warfare and modernized combat strategies in enhancing India’s defensive capabilities.

Significance of Sapta Shakti Command

Sapta Shakti Command, headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s western borders, particularly along the Indo-Pak frontier. While it is often associated with the South Western Command, the term “Sapta Shakti” represents the command’s strategic vision and combat readiness in defending national security interests.

Lt Gen Vandra’s visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to continuous modernization, innovation, and operational preparedness, ensuring that its formations remain combat-ready and technologically superior in modern warfare.

His interactions with ‘The Valiant Wings’ reaffirmed the command’s focus on excellence, resilience, and strategic deterrence along India’s crucial western front.

Major General Rohit Mehrotra, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 61 Sub Area, visited Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Dholpur, where he reviewed key facilities, interacted with cadets, and emphasized the importance of discipline, perseverance, and excellence in shaping the next generation of military leaders.

During his visit, Maj Gen Mehrotra assessed the school’s academic and training infrastructure, ensuring that the institution continues to uphold its legacy of excellence in leadership and character development. RMS Dholpur, established in 1962, is one of India’s five premier Rashtriya Military Schools, dedicated to preparing young cadets for a career in the armed forces.

Encouraging Young Cadets to Strive for Excellence

Interacting with cadets, Maj Gen Mehrotra highlighted the critical role of discipline and camaraderie in military training, reinforcing the school’s motto, “Sheelam Param Bhusanam” (Character is the highest virtue). He encouraged students to remain steadfast in their academic pursuits, military training, and personal development, aligning with the school’s mission to nurture leaders of strong character and unwavering commitment.

Recognizing Outstanding Achievements

The General Officer felicitated outstanding cadets for their achievements in academics, sports, and leadership activities, motivating them to strive for even greater heights. His words of encouragement reinforced the Sapta Shakti Command’s commitment to holistic development, leadership training, and preparing future officers for the Indian Armed Forces.

Legacy of Rashtriya Military School Dholpur

Located in the historic Kesarbagh Palace in Rajasthan, RMS Dholpur spans 264 acres and offers world-class infrastructure, rigorous academics, and comprehensive military training. The school follows the CBSE curriculum from Class VI to XII and provides extensive NCC training, extracurricular activities, and defense entrance exam preparation, ensuring a well-rounded education for its cadets.

Maj Gen Mehrotra’s visit reaffirmed the Indian Army’s dedication to nurturing young talent, strengthening the foundation for future officers, and upholding the values of character, leadership, and service to the nation.

Lieutenant General Mukesh Chadha, Chief of Staff (COS) of the Central Command, conducted a comprehensive visit to the 8 Electronic Warfare Battalion under the Surya Command. The visit aimed to assess the unit’s training protocols, operational readiness, and administrative efficiency.

During the inspection, Lt Gen Chadha commended the battalion for its efforts in integrating advanced electronic warfare technologies. He emphasized the importance of technical absorption within the unit, highlighting that proficiency in cutting-edge technologies is crucial for maintaining operational superiority in modern warfare.

Interacting with officers and soldiers, Lt Gen Chadha praised their dedication and professionalism. He urged all ranks to continue striving for excellence, reinforcing that their commitment is vital for the success of the battalion’s missions and the broader objectives of the Indian Army.

This visit underscores the Central Command’s focus on enhancing technological capabilities within its units. By prioritizing technical absorption and professional development, the command aims to ensure that its formations are well-prepared to address evolving security challenges effectively.

Lt Gen Chadha’s engagement with the 8 Electronic Warfare Battalion reflects a strategic emphasis on integrating advanced technologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the Indian Army.

The Sapta Shakti Adventure Team has made history by winning the prestigious Army Adventure Challenge Cup Trophy for the year 2024–25. In a remarkable performance, four members of the team secured three gold medals and one bronze, underscoring their exceptional prowess and dedication.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, felicitated the team at Jaipur for its unprecedented victory. He commended the six months of hard work put in by all team members and support staff, which culminated in this landmark achievement.

During the felicitation ceremony, the Army Commander urged every member of the Sapta Shakti Command to draw inspiration from this success and strive for excellence in all spheres. The Sapta Shakti Command, in turn, paid tribute to the winners for bringing pride to the organization and setting new benchmarks in adventure sports.

This significant feat reflects not only the resolve of the Sapta Shakti Adventure Team but also highlights the strong sporting and adventure culture within the Indian Army.

By fostering teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, the Sapta Shakti Command continues to uphold the spirit of victory and dedication in the armed forces.