On 15-10-2025, the Defence Ministry, under the leadership of Shri Rajnath Singh approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents under welfare schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board.
Key Enhancement announced:
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Penury Grant: Increased from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000/month
For aged, non-pensioner ESM and widows above 65 years with no regular income.
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Education Grant: Raised from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000/month per child
Applicable for up to two dependent children (Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.
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Marriage Grant: Doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000
Applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage, for marriages solemnised after the issuance of this order.
The revised financial assistance will be applicable to all eligible applications submitted on or after 1-11-2025.
This enhancement carries an annual financial implication of approximately ₹257 crore, which will be met through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a dedicated subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (‘AFFDF’).
This funding mechanism ensures sustained support for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen and their dependents, reinforcing the government’s commitment to honoring their service.
By strengthening the social security net, this revised financial aid is poised to benefit thousands of non-pensioner ESM, widows, and dependent children across the country, ensuring improved access to essential services and a more dignified standard of living.