Marriage is one of the most important and joyful occasions in one’s life. It is a celebration of love, commitment, and happiness. However, marriage can also be a costly affair, especially for those who belong to the economically weaker sections of society. This is why the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) has launched a scheme of financial assistance for the daughter’s marriage/widows’ remarriage of Ex-Servicemen (ESM).
This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to ESM or widows or orphan daughters up to the rank of Havildar for the marriage of their daughters and remarriage of the widow of ESM. This scheme is a way of honouring and supporting the ESM and their families, who have served the nation with valour and dedication.
WHAT IS THE SCHEME AND WHEN DID IT START?
The Marriage Grant Scheme for the daughters’ marriage or widow’s remarriage of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) was first introduced in 1981, providing ₹3,000 per daughter as financial assistance. It was later revised in May 2007 to ₹16,000 per head, applicable for up to two daughters. Subsequently, as per recommendations dated 16 July 2015, the amount was enhanced to ₹50,000 per daughter (maximum two) for marriages solemnized on or after 1 April 2016.
📅 With effect from 01 November 2025, the Government of India has once again revised the Marriage Grant amount to ₹1,00,000 per daughter, extendable up to two daughters (including widow’s remarriage).
This enhancement reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting the families of veterans and honouring their invaluable service to the nation.
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE SCHEME?
This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to ESM or widows or orphan daughters up to the rank of Havildar for the marriage of their daughters and remarriage of the widow of ESM. The scheme also acknowledges and appreciates the service and sacrifice of the ESM and their families for the nation.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE ESM FOR THE SCHEME AND HOW TO APPLY?
The eligibility criteria for availing the financial assistance under this scheme are as follows:
- Applicant must be an ESM or his widow or his orphan daughter.
- The rank requirement is Havildar or below
- The daughter should be above 18 years of age.
- The respective Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) and Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) must recommend the applicant.
- You are ineligible if you have received any financial grant from the State/Service for this purpose.
- Apply online within six months of getting married.
To apply for financial assistance, the applicant has to register online on the web portal of KSB: www.ksb.gov.in and then apply online for the marriage grant. The following documents have to be scanned and uploaded with the application form:
- Complete coloured scan copy of the Discharge Book/Document (must have entry regarding daughter).
- Proof of Age of the daughter.
- An official record of your marriage issued by the Marriage Registrar.
- A Certificate from the Applicant that he/she has not taken any money/assistance/grant from the respective State Govt / Services towards the daughter’s marriage.
- Details of Bank A/c No i.e. A copy of the first page of your Bank Passbook or a cancelled cheque that shows your name, account number, bank name, and IFSC code..
- PPO
HOW IS THE SCHEME PROCESSED AND PAID?
The application must be filled out and forwarded online through the KSB web portal within 180 days of the solemnization of the marriage. After the ZSW staff schedules an appointment and verifies the application, the case goes to the ZSB Officer for recommendation. The RSB Secretary also approves and forwards the case to KSB.
Once the application reaches the KSB secretariat, the staff and officers at KSB carry out vetting and approval of the application. Final payment is made online in due course based on the availability of funds in AFFD.
After approval of the cases, the approved cases will be processed for payment via NEFT by the Accounts section of the KSB secretariat.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SECOND DAUGHTER’S MARRIAGE?
ESM/ Widow/Orphan daughters have the option of applying through a fresh online application for a second daughter’s marriage. The deadline for uploading the application is 180 days from the date of marriage of each daughter. The same eligibility criteria and documents apply to the second daughter’s marriage.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND IMPACTS OF THE SCHEME?
The scheme of financial assistance for the daughter’s marriage/widow remarriage of ESM is a generous gesture and a great help for the ESM and their families who want to celebrate the marriage of their daughters and widows. The scheme helps them to meet the expenses and challenges that they may face in arranging the marriage. The scheme also recognises and appreciates the service and sacrifice of the ESM and their families for the nation.
CONCLUSION
The scheme of financial assistance for daughter’s marriage/widow’s remarriage of ESM is a noble initiative by the KSB to provide financial assistance to ESM or widows or orphan daughters up to the rank of Havildar for the marriage of their daughters and remarriage of the widow of ESM.
👉The Pride & Privilege of Being an Ex-Serviceman In India
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