New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has announced a significant enhancement in welfare measures for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their families, approving a 100 per cent increase in financial assistance under various schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) through the Kendriya Sainik Board. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the hike, which will take effect for applications submitted from November 1, 2025.

Penury Grant

The Penury Grant, designed to provide sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows above 65 years of age with no regular income, has been doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary. This move aims to strengthen the social security net for veterans who do not receive a pension due to early discharge, organizational constraints, or personal choice.

Non-pensioner ESM include personnel who leave service prematurely—officers retiring before completing 20 years of service and other ranks leaving before 15 years of service. This group often requires financial support, especially in their later years when income sources are limited.

Education Grant

The Education Grant has also been doubled to ₹2,000 per month per child. This applies to up to two dependent children of ex-servicemen, covering education from Class I to graduation, and extends to widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course. This enhancement aims to support the educational aspirations of children in ESM families, ensuring they can pursue quality education without financial barriers.

Marriage Grant

The Marriage Grant has seen an increase from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary. This grant is applicable for up to two daughters of ex-servicemen and also for widows in the case of remarriage, provided the marriages take place after the issuance of this order. The grant is intended to ease financial burdens associated with matrimonial expenses for ESM families.

Funding and Implementation

The annual financial implication of these revised rates is estimated at approximately ₹257 crore, which will be funded through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). These schemes are specifically administered under the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the AFFDF. The government’s move reflects a commitment to honoring the service and sacrifices of ex-servicemen, particularly those from lower-income groups or without pensions.

Government’s Commitment

The enhancement in financial assistance is part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen the social security and welfare framework for veterans and their dependents. By increasing the Penury, Education, and Marriage grants, the Ministry of Defence seeks to provide sustainable financial support to ESM families, enabling them to meet everyday expenses, educational costs, and major life events with dignity.

The decision also underscores the government’s recognition of the unique challenges faced by non-pensioner ex-servicemen, who often exit service prematurely and face financial vulnerabilities later in life. These measures are expected to provide much-needed relief and assurance to around 20,000 beneficiaries, improving their quality of life significantly.

The Kendriya Sainik Board, as the nodal agency, will oversee the implementation and disbursement of these enhanced grants, ensuring that eligible ESM and their dependents receive timely and transparent support.

The initiative comes in the run-up to Diwali, signaling a timely boost to the welfare of veterans and their families, reflecting the government’s continued focus on veteran welfare and recognition of their contributions to the nation.

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