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 government’s assessment of inflation and cost of living.
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Enhanced Welfare Schemes
The government has introduced revisions in several schemes aimed at providing financial security and support to widows of ex-servicemen:
- Daughter’s Marriage Grant: Increased from ₹16,000 to ₹50,000 (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 ₹1,000 per month to ₹4,000 per month for widows above 65 years of age (effective April 2017).
- Support for 100% Disabled Child: Assistance increased from ₹1,000 per month to ₹3,000 per month (extended to JCOs, effective April 2022).
- Orphan Grant: Increased from ₹1,000 per month to ₹3,000 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 ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 (effective August 11, 2023).
- Medical Treatment Grant: Increased from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 for non-pensioner widows (effective August 11, 2023).
- Serious Diseases Grant: Financial support raised from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹1.50 lakh (effective August 11, 2023).
- Home Loan Subsidy: The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) reimburses 50% of interest (up to ₹1 lakh) on home loans for war widows, war-disabled personnel, and peace-time casualties.
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Educational and Employment Support
- Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme: A total of 5,500 scholarships are provided annually to children of ESM, with revised scholarship amounts of ₹2,500 per month for boys and ₹3,000 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 ‘C’ 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 nation’s 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.