NEW DELHI: On Wednesday the Ministry of Defence sanctioned a 100% increase in financial assistance under various welfare schemes for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their dependents. This decision reflects the government’s renewed commitment to social security and welfare of retired servicemen and their families.
The welfare schemes for the veterans and their dependents are run by the department of ex-servicemen welfare through Kendriya Sainik Board.
The ministry said the penury grant has been doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ex-servicemen (ESM) and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income.
The education grant has also been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children (class I to graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course, it said.
Over the years, inflation and rising living costs have eroded the real value of fixed‐amount assistance. Doubling the amounts is an effort to restore some adequacy to these schemes, particularly for those with limited or no other sources of income.
The greatest benefit goes to those who are non-pensioners (i.e. they do not already receive a pension) and are aged above 65, and to Veer Naris. These groups are often more economically vulnerable. The increase ensures a base level of financial protection for them.
By increasing education grants, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on families of ex-servicemen, especially for higher education, thereby promoting social mobility.
These enhancements reinforce the government’s commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of ex-servicemen. It signals that welfare and respect for veterans is a continuing priority.
Greater financial security for the most vulnerable segments among ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Increased uptake of education by dependents of ESM due to higher grant support.
Recognition and morale boost — improved benefits may foster confidence and satisfaction among ex-servicemen.
The financial assistance under marriage grant has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary.
This grant is applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage. The assistance under the programme will be for marriages solemnised after issuance of the order on increasing the grant.
“The revised rates take effect for applications submitted from November 1, 2025, onwards, with an annual financial implication of approximately ₹257 crore to be met from the AFFDF (Armed Forces Flag Day Fund),” the ministry said in a statement.
These schemes are funded through the Defence Minister’s Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which is a subset of the AFFDF.
“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,” the statement said.
The government had constituted the AFFDF for the welfare and rehabilitation of the ex-servicemen community. There are more than 32 lakh ESM and around 60,000 are added every year due to superannuation.
