100% hike in financial assistance under schemes of Dept of Ex-Servicemen Welfare via Kendriya Sainik Board implemented: MoD

New Delhi : The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Saturday said that the 100 percent increase in financial assistance announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their dependents has been fully implemented.

The increased assistance is being provided under schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board.

The MoD added that the decision reaffirms the government's commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of veterans.


In a post on X, MoD said, "A 100% 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 reaffirms the Government's commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of the veterans."

Earlier in October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a 100 percent increase in financial assistance for ex-Servicemen (ESM).


The 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.

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, a prior statement from MoD added.