Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen and their dependents under various welfare schemes, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday (October 15, 2025).

The welfare schemes for the veterans and their dependents are run by the department of ex-servicemen welfare through Kendriya Sainik Board.

The ministry said the penury grant has been doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ex-servicemen (ESM) and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income.

The education grant has also been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children (class I to graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course, it s

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