Source: DESW
Beyond job placements, DGR (Directorate General of Resettlement) also runs several
self-employment schemes that let ex-servicemen build their own business instead of taking a regular job. This article lists eight facts about these self-employment schemes based on official DESW information, so you know what options exist beyond a standard placement.
- The Security Agency Scheme is the most widely used — DGR (Directorate General of Resettlement) empanels ex-servicemen-run private security agencies to provide security services to government offices, PSUs, banks, and corporate houses.
- It is meant as a stop-gap, not a permanent career — The Security Agency Scheme is explicitly designed to give ex-servicemen an income and something meaningful to do while they find more permanent, respectful employment.
- The Technical Service Scheme supplies skilled manpower — This scheme provides trained ex-servicemen for technical services to government establishments, routed through empanelled State ESM (Ex-Servicemen) Corporations.
- LPG and petrol pump dealerships have a reserved quota — 8 percent of retail outlet distributorships for LPG and petroleum are reserved specifically for war widows,
war-disabled, and eligible ex-servicemen under this scheme.
- A DGR eligibility certificate is needed for these dealerships — Ex-servicemen apply for a DGR Eligibility Certificate to be considered for these reserved petrol or LPG outlet allotments advertised by oil marketing companies.
- Coal transport companies are an officer-specific scheme — This self-employment scheme requires ex-service officers to register within 5 years of retirement, form a private limited company with a minimum of three officers, and operate under a sponsorship model.
- A generic medicine pharmacy scheme is now available — DGR has incorporated
ex-servicemen into the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, letting them run generic medicine pharmacies since this scheme launched in June 2023.
- Over 67,000 ex-servicemen have benefited so far — As reported to the Rajya Sabha, a total of 67,316 ex-servicemen have benefited from DGR employment and self-employment schemes to date.
These self-employment schemes range from stop-gap security work to long-term ventures like petrol pumps and pharmacies, so the right one depends entirely on your own goals and timeline. Some, like the coal transport company scheme, are officer-specific and time-bound after retirement, so registering early matters. Contact your nearest DGR office or check the official DESW website to see which scheme actually fits your situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the DGR Security Agency Scheme meant for?
A1. It is meant as a stop-gap arrangement, giving ex-servicemen income and meaningful work while they find more permanent employment, not as a lifelong career.
Q2. Can I get a petrol pump or LPG dealership as an ex-serviceman?
A2. Yes, 8 percent of retail outlet distributorships for LPG and petroleum are reserved for eligible ex-servicemen, war widows, and war-disabled personnel.
Q3. What document do I need for a reserved petrol pump or LPG dealership?
A3. You need a DGR Eligibility Certificate, which you apply for to be considered for these reserved allotments advertised by oil marketing companies.
Q4. Who can register for the coal transport company scheme?
A4. Only ex-service officers who register within 5 years of retirement are eligible, and a minimum of three officers must form a private limited company together.
Q5. Can ex-servicemen run a generic medicine pharmacy?
A5. Yes, since June 2023, DGR has incorporated ex-servicemen into the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme for running generic medicine pharmacies.
Q6. How many ex-servicemen have used DGR employment schemes so far?
A6. According to a Rajya Sabha reply, 67,316 ex-servicemen have benefited from DGR employment and self-employment schemes to date.
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