Rajnath Singh Doubles Financial Assistance for Ex-Servicemen and Dependents

New Delhi: In a big relief to the veterans and their families, Defence Minister 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 (DESW) through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The approved enhancements include significant revisions across key welfare schemes:

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• Penury Grant: Doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, this grant provides sustained 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 head 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. This is applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage, for marriages solemnised after issuance of this order.

According to the statement, the revised rates will come into effect for applications submitted from November 1, 2025, 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 AFFDF,” the ministry stated.

The decision, it added, 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.