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Defence Minister Doubles Financial Aid for Veterans Amid Welfare Push

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a major boost in financial support for ex-servicemen and their families. The monthly penury grant has been doubled to provide sustained lifetime support for aged veterans and widows. Education and marriage grants have also seen significant increases to help dependents. This enhanced welfare package demonstrates the government's commitment to honoring military veterans' service and sacrifices.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Approves 100% Increase in Ex-Servicemen Benefits

  • Penury grant doubled to Rs 8,000 monthly for aged veterans and widows
  • Education grant increased to Rs 2,000 monthly per child for two dependents
  • Marriage grant raised to Rs 1 lakh for up to two daughters of ESM
  • Revised rates effective from November 1 with Rs 257 crore annual financial implication
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Defence Minister approves 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen & their dependents

Defence Minister doubles financial assistance for ex-servicemen and dependents, including penury, education, and marriage grants, effective November 1.

"The decision strengthens the social security net for non-pensioner ESM, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, October 15

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday 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 said in an official statement.

Penury grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ESM and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income, as per the ministry.

The education grant has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children (Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.

The Marriage grant has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary. Applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage, for marriages solemnised after issuance of this order.

The revised rates take effect for applications submitted from November 1, onwards, with an annual financial implication of approximately Rs 257 crore to be met from the 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 decision 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, it added

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone whose grandfather served in the army, I know how much this means to military families. The marriage grant increase from 50k to 1 lakh is particularly helpful for daughters of ex-servicemen. Good step!
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Michael C
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope the implementation is smooth. Often these schemes get stuck in bureaucracy. The government should ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries without delays.
S
Shreya B
The education grant doubling is excellent! Many military families struggle with children's education expenses. This will help ensure their children get proper education. Well done! 👏
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Aditya G
₹8,000 penury grant is still quite low for monthly expenses in today's inflation. But it's definitely better than before. Hope the government keeps reviewing these amounts regularly.
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Nisha Z
My uncle is an ex-serviceman and he often worries about his family's future. Such schemes give them much-needed security. Thank you for recognizing their contribution to the nation.

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