Defence Ministry doubles financial aid to ex-servicemen, dependents

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a 100-per cent 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.

The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday gave a list of enhanced benefits.

The ‘Penury Grant’ has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged ex-servicemen who did not qualify for pensions. The grant will also apply to their widows above 65 years of age.

‘Education Grant’ has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children from Class I to graduation. For widows of soldiers, this will be extended for pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.

‘Marriage Grant’ has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary. Applicable for up to two daughters of the ex-servicemen and for widow remarriage.

The revised rates take effect for applications submitted from November 1, 2025, onwards, with an annual financial implication of approximately Rs 257 crore to be met from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (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 MoD said the decision strengthens the social security for non-pensioner soldiers, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups, reaffirming the government’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of the veterans.