Defence Minister Approves 100% Increase in Financial Aid for Veterans and Their Families

The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen and their dependents, as per the news reports. The revision covers several welfare schemes under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, including the Penury Grant, Education Grant, and Marriage Grant. The revised amounts will apply to applications submitted from November 1, 2025.

Increase in Monthly Support

The Penury Grant, which supports non-pensioner ex-servicemen and their widows above 65 years of age without a regular income, has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month. This grant is provided for lifetime support to those who are financially dependent and not covered under pension schemes.

Education Grant Doubled

The Education Grant has been doubled from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children studying from Class I to graduation. The same rate is applicable for widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course. This is meant to assist families in managing educational expenses for their children or for widows continuing higher education.

Higher Support for Marriage

The Marriage Grant has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary. It can be availed for the marriage of up to two daughters of ex-servicemen or in case of a widow remarriage. The new rate will apply to marriages solemnised after the implementation date of this order.

Implementation and Fund Allocation

The new rates will come into effect from November 1, 2025, with an estimated annual financial impact of ₹257 crore. The funding will be provided through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF), under which the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund operates.

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Conclusion

The revision in financial assistance is expected to offer better monetary support to ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents, particularly those without pensions or stable income sources.

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