Financial assistance for ESM doubled: Penury, education and marriage grants increased

In a major move benefitting the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance under schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through Kendriya Sainik Board.

The approved enhancements include the Penury Grant which 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.

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Further the Education Grant has also 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 government has also raised the Marriage Grant 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.

The revised rates take effect for applications submitted from November 01, 2025 onwards with an annual financial implication of approximately Rs 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 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,” the Ministry of Defence stated.