Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Approves 100% Increase in Financial Assistance for Ex-Servicemen and Their Dependents

New Delhi, October 15, 2025 — In a significant move to enhance the welfare of India's veterans, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Defence, aims to provide greater support to non-pensioner ESM, widows, and dependents from lower-income groups.

Key Enhancements in Welfare Schemes

The approved enhancements include:

• Penury Grant: Doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary. This grant provides sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ESM and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income.

• Education Grant: Increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children (Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.

• Marriage Grant: Raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary. This grant is applicable for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage, for marriages solemnised after the issuance of this order.

Implementation Details

The revised rates will take effect for applications submitted from November 1, 2025, onwards. The annual financial implication of these enhancements is approximately ₹257 crore, to be met from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). These schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which is a subset of the AFFDF.

Government's Commitment to Veterans

The Ministry of Defence stated that this 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.