Rajnath Singh Doubles Financial Assistance For Ex-Servicemen
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents under schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through Kendriya Sainik Board.
This decision comes at a time when the government is actively working to improve the welfare of veterans, who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation. India has one of the world’s largest veteran communities, with more than 26 lakh Ex-Servicemen. Many of them, especially non-pensioners and widows, face financial hardships after retirement. By increasing these grants, the government is taking a major step to provide better support to this group.
Penury Grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ESM and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income.
Penury grants are crucial because many former soldiers retire young without a pension, especially those from lower ranks. With rising inflation and healthcare costs, the earlier amount often fell short in meeting basic needs. Doubling this support is expected to ease their day-to-day living expenses and help them live with dignity. India has thousands of such beneficiaries, and this increase is likely to bring meaningful relief to elderly veterans and widows who rely entirely on these grants.
Education Grant has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children (Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.
Education support plays a key role in empowering the next generation of military families. Many children of ex-servicemen study in rural areas where access to quality education can be expensive. By increasing this grant, families will find it easier to manage fees, buy study materials, and continue higher education. This move encourages children from defence families to aim higher academically and pursue careers that bring long-term financial stability.
Marriage Grant has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary. Applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage, for marriages solemnised after the issuance of this order.
Weddings can be financially stressful for lower-income families. For widows, this grant also provides support for remarriage, which is often a sensitive issue in many parts of the country. By increasing this grant, the government is promoting social security and encouraging a positive environment for daughters and widows of veterans to start new chapters in their lives with dignity.
The revised rates take effect for applications submitted from November 01, 2025, onwards, with an annual financial implication of approximately Rs 257 crore to be met from the AFFDF. These schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which is a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund has played a vital role since 1949 in supporting ex-servicemen and their families. It is funded mainly through public contributions collected every year on December 7. Over the years, this fund has been used to support rehabilitation, education, medical treatment, and housing for veterans and their dependents. Allocating Rs 257 crore shows the government’s seriousness in scaling up welfare measures for this community.
The decision strengthens the social security net for non-pensioner ESM, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of the veterans.
India’s armed forces have a long tradition of selfless service. Strengthening financial assistance for those who have already served reflects the country’s gratitude. Many welfare schemes exist, but increasing the direct financial support amount makes a real difference to families in need. This also aligns with larger national goals of inclusive development and social justice.
