The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Ministry of Defence, stands as a vital bridge between India’s ex-servicemen (ESM) and a world of opportunities. With a motto of “Effective Resettlement of Ex-Servicemen: Our First and Final Goal,” DGR empowers veterans—officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), Other Ranks (ORs), and their widows—through training, employment, and self-employment schemes. Located at West Block-IV, RK Puram, New Delhi, DGR operates as an interface between ESM and the civilian landscape, ensuring their transition from military to civilian life is both successful and dignified. As of March 31, 2025, here’s how DGR is reshaping futures with its comprehensive programs.
DGR’s Mission: A Commitment to Resettlement
Established to address the unique challenges faced by ESM—many of whom retire in their 30s or 40s— DG Resettlement facilitates their reintegration into civilian society. With over 60,000 personnel retiring annually (PIB, December 2023), the need for structured resettlement is critical. DGR’s offerings span job placement, skill training, and entrepreneurial ventures, all accessible via its interactive website (dgrindia.gov.in). Contactable at 011-26100206 (reception) or 011-26171456 (fax), DGR remains a lifeline for veterans seeking a second career or financial stability.
Step 1: Registration – Your Gateway to Opportunities
Registration is the first step to unlock DG Resettlement’s benefits:
- Officers: ESM officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force register online before age 50, uploading documents like discharge certificates and IDs (details on dgrindia.gov.in). A provisional registration number is auto-generated, followed by scrutiny from a Board of Officers. Final registration is emailed upon approval; failure to upload documents within the stipulated time cancels the provisional status. One-time scheme changes are allowed via email to the concerned directorate, copied to Employment-Directorate.
- JCOs/ORs: Online registration is now available for schemes like Mother Dairy Milk Booths and Safal Outlets. Others require personal applications via email/post to relevant branches. Rajya/Zila Sainik Boards (RSB/ZSB) sponsor names for jobs listed on the DG Resettlement site.
Step 2: Employment Assistance – Jobs Tailored for ESM
DG Resettlement connects ESM to employment opportunities:
- Vacancies: All openings—central civil services, PSUs, nationalized banks—are listed on dgrindia.gov.in. Officers apply directly, while JCOs/ORs register with RSB/ZSB or agencies like DWW/INPA/DAV for sponsorship. Reservations (e.g., 10-14.5% in Group C/D posts per DoPT orders) ensure ESM priority.
- Security Agency Scheme: Empanelled DGR security agencies provide services to CPSEs, universities, and ministries, offering roles for officers, JCOs, and ORs. Governed by MHA guidelines (dgrindia.gov.in), this scheme delivers competitive wages and substantial job opportunities.
Step 3: Training Schemes – Skilling for Success
DG Resettlement’s training programs prepare ESM for civilian careers:
- Officers (Serving): Eligible in their last year of service (superannuation/PMR approved) or final year of SSC extension. Ineligible if re-employed with the Army or previously trained by DG Resettlement/DESW.
- Officers (Retired): Must meet ESM criteria (Gol rules), be within three years post-retirement, unemployed, and untrained by DG Resettlement/DESW.
- Serving JCOs/ORs: Eligible during the last two years of service, provided they are untrained by DG Resettlement/DESW.
- JCOs/ORs (Retired): ESM within five years of retirement or up to age 60, unemployed, not dismissed, and untrained by DG Resettlement/DESW.
- Widows: Apply via RSB/ZSB directly to DG Resettlement.
Courses range from management to technical skills, with details on dgrindia.gov.in.
Step 4: Self-Employment – Building Your Own Path
DG Resettlement’s self-employment schemes empower ESM and widows:
- Coal Loading and Transportation Scheme:
- ESM(O): Five retired officers form a Pvt. Ltd. Company under the 1956 Companies Act, managing coal operations with up to 3 pay loaders and 30 tippers (10 for widows/disabled, 20 for JCOs/ORs). Fleet size may increase to 4 pay loaders and 40 tippers in exceptions. Requires MoU with Coal India Ltd (CIL), on hold since January 2020, with revival pending.
- ESM: JCOs/ORs register online, providing Rs. 5-8 Lakhs seed money for tippers based on bank loans.
- Widows/Disabled ESM: Contribute Rs. 1 Lakh seed money, receive Rs. 3,000 monthly reimbursement, and recover their investment after five years.
- COCO Retail Outlets: Retired officers/JCOs manage oil company outlets for three years, earning Rs. 30,000/month plus incentives. Must be under 60 and provide bank guarantees; sponsored by DGR, selected by oil companies.
- Oil Product Agency (OPA): 8% reservation for LPG distributorships and retail outlets under MoP&NG. ESM apply post-advertisement with DGR eligibility certificates; selection via draw of lots by oil companies.
- CNG Stations (NCR): ESM(O) up to Brigadier manage IGL stations for six years or until age 60, sponsored by DGR, selected via IGL interviews.
- MNGL Stations (Pune): Similar to NCR, ESM(O) and JCOs manage CNG stations in Pune and nearby areas under MNGL.
- Mother Dairy/Safal Outlets: ESM from Naik to JCOs operate milk booths and fruit/vegetable shops in Delhi-NCR, Nagpur, and Varanasi. Online registration applies.
- PMBJP Pharmacies: ESM receive Rs. 2 Lakhs special incentive plus Rs. 5 Lakhs standard grant and 15% monthly purchase benefits to run generic medicine stores.
Step 5: Employment Seminars – Walk-In Opportunities
DG Resettlement collaborates with CII/FICCI to host job fairs nationwide, offering ESM walk-in opportunities at no cost. Updates are posted on dgrindia.gov.in and advertised via media, ensuring visibility.
Why DGR Matters in 2025
With India’s ESM population nearing 26 lakhs (parliamentary data, 2023), DGR’s role is indispensable. Its schemes address early retirement challenges—most ESM leave service before 50—offering second careers or entrepreneurial ventures. The security agency scheme alone employs thousands, while training programs skill over 20,000 annually (DGR Annual Report, 2023). Self-employment options like COCO outlets and PMBJP pharmacies provide financial independence, especially for widows and disabled ESM. Despite setbacks (e.g., Coal Scheme suspension), DGR’s adaptability—seen in online registration and expanded schemes—keeps it relevant.
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How to Engage
- Website: dgrindia.gov.in – Register, explore schemes, and track opportunities.
- Contact: Reception: 011-26100206, Fax: 011-26171456.
- Email: Check dgrindia.gov.in for scheme-specific contacts (e.g., emp-dte@dgrindia.gov.in).
- RSB/ZSB: Local boards assist JCOs/ORs with registration and sponsorship.
Conclusion
In 2025, DG Resettlement remains a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between ESM and opportunity with precision and purpose. From security jobs to coal tipper ventures, from training courses to milk booths, it empowers veterans and their families to thrive post-service. Whether you’re an officer eyeing a CNG station or a widow seeking a pharmacy grant, DGR’s comprehensive support ensures that the glory of military service translates into a fulfilling civilian life. Visit dgrindia.gov.in today—your next chapter awaits.