SDG 1: No Poverty | SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Institutions: Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Sh Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance across key welfare schemes for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents. The schemes are managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and funded through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF), with an annual financial implication of approximately ₹257 crore.
The approved enhancements include:
Penury Grant: Doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ESM.
Education Grant: Increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children or widows pursuing postgraduate courses.
Marriage Grant: Raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary.
This decision directly strengthens the social security net for non-pensioner ESM and their low-income dependents, aligning social welfare policy with the national commitment to honor veterans’ service and sacrifice. The increase in the Education Grant also supports human capital development within these families.
What is the Penury Grant? → The Penury Grant is a scheme providing sustained, lifetime financial support to aged and non-pensioner Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their widows who are above 65 years of age and have no regular income. The Ministry of Defence has doubled this grant from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, making it the most significant enhancement for the most economically vulnerable veterans and their families.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the Ministry of Defence ensure the seamless and equitable distribution of the revised grants to the target beneficiaries, especially non-pensioner ESMs in remote areas, starting November 01, 2025?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2179240