The widows of ex-servicemen (ESM) play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of India’s armed forces. As of 31st December 2024, there are 7,40,766 widows of ex-servicemen across the country. To ensure their financial stability and well-being, the government periodically reviews and enhances support schemes covering pensions, education, employment, healthcare, and housing.
The primary form of financial assistance provided to widows is through a family pension, which is reviewed periodically based on recommendations from Pay Commissions. The pension amount also increases over time with the revision of Dearness Relief (DR), which is assessed regularly.
Over the years, several grants have been revised to provide increased financial support.
| Scheme/Grant | Previous Amount (₹) | Revised Amount (₹) | Effective Date |
| Daughter’s Marriage Grant (Up to two daughters) | ₹16,000 | ₹50,000 | April 2016 |
| Widow Re-Marriage Grant | Not specified | Available for marriages solemnised on or after 21st April 2016 | – |
| Penury Grant (For non-pensioner widows aged 65+) | ₹1,000 pm | ₹4,000 pm (Lifetime) | April 2017 |
| 100% Disabled Child Grant (Upto JCO rank) | ₹1,000 pm | ₹3,000 pm | April 2021 |
| Orphan Grant (For unmarried daughters and one son of ESM) | ₹1,000 pm | ₹3,000 pm | April 2022 |
| Vocational Training Grant for Widows | ₹20,000 (one-time) | ₹50,000 (one-time) | August 2023 |
| Medical Treatment Grant (For non-pensioners up to Havildar rank) | ₹30,000 | ₹50,000 (maximum) | August 2023 |
| Serious Diseases Grant (For non-pensioners and their spouses) | ₹1.25 lakh | ₹1.50 lakh | August 2023 |
| Subsidy on Home Loans (For war widows and disabled ex-servicemen) | 50% interest reimbursement (Max ₹1,00,000) | ₹1,00,000 (Max) | – |
Under this scheme, a total of 5,500 scholarships are provided annually to the children of ESM based on merit.
This financial assistance aims to support higher education and skill development for the wards of ex-servicemen.
The government provides employment opportunities for war widows based on their educational qualifications and eligibility.
War widows are given special provisions for officer selection in the Indian Army, including:
Additionally, widows of defence personnel can apply for SSC up to the age of 35 years under relaxed age criteria.
War widows of armed forces personnel who lost their lives while in service are eligible to apply for enrolment in the Women Military Police, providing them with stable career opportunities.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) has issued guidelines allowing the dependent family members of Defence Civilian Employees and Armed Forces Personnel to apply for Group ‘C’ direct recruitment posts under compassionate grounds.
The Army Welfare Housing Organisation reserves 3% of the housing units in every project for widows of ex-servicemen, ensuring they have access to secure housing.
To help widows achieve financial independence, vocational training schemes are available. Grants of up to ₹50,000 are provided for training programmes, allowing widows to upskill and seek employment or start small businesses.
The government continues to review and revise welfare measures for war widows to enhance their financial and social security. These measures reflect the nation’s commitment to supporting the families of those who have served in the armed forces.
By implementing these schemes, the government ensures that the widows of ex-servicemen receive the recognition and assistance they deserve, enabling them to lead dignified and financially stable lives.
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Published on: Mar 11, 2025, 2:59 PM IST
Team Angel One
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