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Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has approved 100% increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents under the welfare schemes managed by the Kendriya Sainik Board. Under the revised structure, the penury grant for non-pensioner veterans and widows aged above 65 years without regular income has been doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month. Education grant for maximum two dependent children or widows pursuing higher education has been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month. Meanwhile, the marriage grant for up to two daughters of ESM and for widow remarriage has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.
The new rates will be applicable on applications received from November 1, 2025 and will have an annual outlay of ₹257 crore, funded through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) under the Defense Minister Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.
The move is expected to provide significant relief to veterans and their families, thereby enhancing social security for those who served the country.