New Delhi: The Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a significant enhancement in financial assistance for ex-servicemen and their families. The increase, amounting to 100 percent, will come into effect under various welfare programs managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board.
The destitution grant, aimed at supporting elderly ex-servicemen and widows who do not receive pensions and are above 65 years of age, has been raised from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month, providing them with sustained financial relief throughout their lifetime.
In addition, the education allowance meant for two dependent children of ex-servicemen or widows pursuing postgraduate studies has also been doubled. The monthly grant for students from Class 1 through graduation, and for widows enrolled in two-year postgraduate courses, will now be Rs 2,000 per beneficiary, up from Rs 1,000.
The marriage grant, which offers assistance for the weddings of up to two daughters of ex-servicemen or widow remarriages, has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary.
The Defence Ministry stated that these revised benefits will be applicable for all applications submitted on or after November 1, 2025. The annual budgetary impact of this decision is estimated to be around Rs 257 crore.
This move reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the welfare and quality of life for those who have served the nation and their families.
