Defence Minister approves 100% hike in welfare grants

New Delhi, Oct 15, 2025 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a hundred percent increase in financial assistance for Ex-Servicemen and their dependents under schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. The penury grant has been doubled from four thousand rupees to eight thousand rupees per month per beneficiary. This will provide sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner Ex-Servicemen and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income.

The Ministry said the education grant has been increased from one thousand to two thousand rupees per month per head for up to two dependent children. The marriage grant has also been raised from 50 thousand to one lakh per beneficiary.

The Ministry said the revised rates take effect for applications submitted from 1st November this year onwards, with an annual financial implication of approximately 257 crore rupees. These schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which is a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The decision will strengthen the social security net for non-pensioner Ex-Servicemen and widows, reaffirming the government’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of the veterans.