A LIFELINE FOR VETERANS: THE PENURY GRANT SCHEME EXPLAINED

Penury Grant is a compassionate welfare scheme designed to support Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their widows who face financial hardship after leaving the Armed Forces. While India takes great pride in its brave soldiers for their service and sacrifice, it also recognizes that many veterans, especially non-pensioners, often struggle to make ends meet after retirement. Factors such as unemployment, illness, or family responsibilities can make life difficult for them.

To address these challenges, the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) extends financial assistance under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFD Fund) through the Penury Grant Scheme. This initiative provides a monthly grant for the lifetime of destitute ESM and their widows, offering them dignity, stability, and recognition for their invaluable contribution to the nation.

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE SCHEME

The Penury Grant scheme was introduced in 1981, with financial assistance of Rs 100 per month for two years for non-pensioner ESM/their widows who had attained the age of 65 years. This amount was revised to Rs 500 per month for two years in 2007, with an additional one-time grant of Rs 30,000 at the age of 70/75 years.

In 2011, the Penury Grant Scheme was simplified and revised to provide a monthly grant of ₹1,000 per beneficiary for life, irrespective of the age of the ESM or widow. Later, in 2017, this amount was enhanced to ₹4,000 per month (paid annually) per beneficiary.

Now, in a significant welfare boost, the Government has doubled the Penury Grant to ₹8,000 per month with effect from 01 November 2025, continuing its commitment to support the most deserving non-pensioner ESM and their widows.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS

The eligibility criteria for availing the financial assistance under the Penury Grant scheme are as follows:

• The applicant must be a non-pensioner ESM or his widow.
• The applicant should be of rank Havildar/equivalent from the Navy/AF and below.
• The grant is open to ESM/widows who have reached the age of 65 by 01 Apr of the financial year they are applying in
• After the demise of ESM who was already availing the Penury Grant, his widow is eligible for the grant irrespective of her age at the time of the death of ESM.

To apply for the Penury Grant, the applicant has to log in to the web portal of KSB and fill out the online application form. The following documents have to be scanned and uploaded on the portal along with the application:

• Service document/discharge book of ESM (all pages in sequential order without any alterations).
• Age proof, if date of birth is not given in the service document/discharge book.
• Identity card of ESM/widow issued by Zila Sainik Board (ZSB).
• First page of bank passbook and a cancelled cheque, showing the bank account number, IFSC code and personal details of the account holder.
• Certificate of penury, attested by a gazetted officer or a Sarpanch.

The application has to be verified and recommended by the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO) before it is forwarded to the KSB for approval. The ZSWO has to check and confirm the authenticity of the uploaded documents online and the information furnished by the applicant.

 RENEWAL AND CONTINUATION OF THE SCHEME

For subsequent grants, after the initial penury grant has been awarded, the beneficiary has to login to the website, apply for Penury Renewal, and submit a life certificate online, duly countersigned by the respective ZSWO, between 01 Dec and 31 Mar of the current financial year. The life certificate should be signed only by the ZSWO. It may be noted that the financial assistance is non-transferable and will cease automatically upon the death of the ESM or widow.

After the expiry of ESM, his widow will have to apply afresh for financial assistance under penury. Before applying for Penury Initial, the widow is required to update the column “Who are you” as “Widow” and “Date of Death” of ESM in the Profile Page.

If the widow’s husband was already in receipt of the Penury Grant, there is no requirement of fresh registration by the widow. The widow can apply for the Initial Penury Grant by using the husband’s KSB account and editing “Who are you” as “Widow”, entering “Date of Death” of ESM in the Profile Page and editing other details. The age limit of 65 years is not applicable in such cases. For subsequent grants, the procedure given in the preceding paragraphs may be followed for Penury Renewal.

BENEFITS AND IMPACT OF THE PENURY GRANT SCHEME

The Penury Grant scheme is a lifeline for veterans who have fallen on hard times and have no other source of income or support. The monthly grant helps them to meet their basic needs and live a dignified life. The scheme also acknowledges and honours their service and sacrifice for the nation.

The Penury Grant scheme is a noble initiative by the KSB to provide financial assistance to the non-pensioner ESM and their widows who are in penury. The scheme is a testament to the commitment and gratitude of the nation towards its veterans, who have served the country with valour and dedication.

👉 THE PRIDE AND PRIVILEGE OF BEING AN EX-SERVICEMAN IN INDIA

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