Non-pensioner ex-servicemen, widows get doubled financial support

In a significant move to bolster the welfare of veterans, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday approved a 100 per cent increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their dependents. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Defence, is part of the schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board.

Under the revised framework, the penury grant, aimed at providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows above 65 years with no regular income, has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary.

The education grant has also been raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month per head, applicable for up to two dependent children (from Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course. This move is expected to ease financial pressures on families striving to support higher education.

Further, the marriage grant for ESM daughters and widow remarriage has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary, applicable for up to two daughters or widow beneficiaries for marriages solemnised after this order.

These revised benefits will apply to applications submitted from November 1, 2025, onwards. The annual financial implication is estimated at approximately Rs 257 crore, to be met from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) via the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.

The Ministry emphasized that this enhancement of financial support strengthens the social security net for non-pensioner ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups. It reflects the Government’s continued commitment to honour the service, sacrifice, and dedication of India’s veterans.