- Rajnath Singh Approves 100% Hike in Key Welfare Schemes Ahead of Diwali
- Enhanced Grants for Education, Marriage, and Penury Support to Benefit Thousands of Veterans and Dependents
- Move Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Honour and Uplift the Nation’s Bravehearts
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, OCT 15
In a major welfare push ahead of the festive season, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents under various schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board.
The enhanced benefits include:
- Penury Grant: Doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, extending lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ESM and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income.
- Education Grant: Increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per child for up to two dependent children (from Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.
- Marriage Grant: Raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary, applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage, for marriages solemnised after the issue of this order.
The revised rates will take effect from November 1, 2025, for applications submitted thereafter. The measure carries an annual financial implication of approximately ₹257 crore, funded through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) under the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.
This decision significantly strengthens the social security net for non-pensioner veterans, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups, reinforcing the Government’s unwavering resolve to honour the service, sacrifice, and dignity of India’s ex-servicemen community.
