NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence has announced significant enhancements to welfare schemes benefiting widows of ex-servicemen (ESM) across India. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 7,40,766 widows of ex-servicemen are registered nationwide, with states like Punjab (75,821), Uttar Pradesh (72,071), and Kerala (71,570) having the highest numbers.
Widows of ESM receive monthly financial assistance through family pensions, which are periodically revised based on the recommendations of Pay Commissions and the governmentโs assessment of inflation and cost of living.
ALSO READ: Jaishankarโs UK visit: Trade, security & diplomacy take center stage
Enhanced Welfare Schemes
The government has introduced revisions in several schemes aimed at providing financial security and support to widows of ex-servicemen:
- Daughterโs Marriage Grant: Increased from โน16,000 to โน50,000 (up to two daughters, applicable to pensioner/non-pensioner up to Havildar rank, effective April 2016).
- Widow Re-Marriage Grant: Eligible for those remarried on or after April 21, 2016.
- Penury Grant: Increased from โน1,000 per month to โน4,000 per month for widows above 65 years of age (effective April 2017).
- Support for 100% Disabled Child: Assistance increased from โน1,000 per month to โน3,000 per month (extended to JCOs, effective April 2022).
- Orphan Grant: Increased from โน1,000 per month to โน3,000 per month for daughters (until marriage) and sons (up to 21 years of age) of ex-servicemen (effective April 2022).
- Vocational Training Grant for Widows: One-time grant raised from โน20,000 to โน50,000 (effective August 11, 2023).
- Medical Treatment Grant: Increased from โน30,000 to โน50,000 for non-pensioner widows (effective August 11, 2023).
- Serious Diseases Grant: Financial support raised from โน1.25 lakh to โน1.50 lakh (effective August 11, 2023).
- Home Loan Subsidy: The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) reimburses 50% of interest (up to โน1 lakh) on home loans for war widows, war-disabled personnel, and peace-time casualties.
ALSO READ: Indiaโs defense push: HAL gets first private sector-made LCA Mk1A fuselage
Educational and Employment Support
- Prime Ministerโs Scholarship Scheme: A total of 5,500 scholarships are provided annually to children of ESM, with revised scholarship amounts of โน2,500 per month for boys and โน3,000 per month for girls (effective from FY 2019-20).
- Employment Opportunities: Special reservations are available for widows of ex-servicemen in officer selection for the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission (SSC). Additional vacancies are earmarked under the National Cadet Corps (NCC) entry for both men and women.
- Civil Defence Employment: As per new guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) in 2022, dependents of Defence Civilian employees and Armed Forces personnel are eligible for compassionate appointment in Group โCโ direct recruitment posts.
- Housing Scheme: The Army Welfare Housing Organisation reserves a 3% quota for widows in each project to facilitate home ownership.
Strengthening Commitment to War Widows
The Government of India continues to review and enhance welfare measures for war widows and families of Armed Forces personnel, ensuring they receive adequate financial aid, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. These schemes reaffirm the nationโs gratitude and commitment to the sacrifices made by the armed forces and their families.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth shared this information in a written reply to Niranjan Bishi and Sulata Deo in the Rajya Sabha today.
