The Armed Forces personnel are physically fit by their work style. Even after their retirement, (becoming ESM) most of them continue to be engaged in physically challenging activities or work. However, some of them unfortunately become handicapped due to accidents or other causes after their retirement and need mobility equipment such as modified scooters, crutches, and wheelchairs to carry on with their life. To procure mobility equipment, the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) provides financial assistance to disabled Ex-Servicemen (ESM) from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). This article will explain the aim, eligibility, and procedure of this scheme.
AIM
This scheme aims to provide financial assistance for the procurement of modified scooters for those ESM who are disabled after they retire from service with disability of 50% or more. The modified scooter is a specially designed two-wheeler that can accommodate the ESM’s disability and provide them with mobility and convenience. The amount of assistance is up to a maximum of Rs. 1 lakh per Ex-Servicemen, which is given as a one-time aid on successful completion of the procurement process.
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR ESM
The following criteria must be fulfilled to avail the financial assistance for the procurement of modified scooters for disabled Ex-Servicemen:
- The applicant must be an Ex-Servicemen disabled after retirement from the service with disability of 50% or more, and not covered under a similar scheme of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
- The applicant must be recommended by the respective Zila Sainik Board (ZSB).
- The applicant must be capable of personally utilizing the mobility equipment so provided.
The applicant must follow the additional eligibility conditions w.e.f 01 Apr 2022, which are as follows:
- The applicant must forward through the registered post a post-dated cheque of the said amount, duly signed, with a certificate by the ESM stating that “If I don’t send the papers and registration of the scooter, please deposit cheque no … dt … in the AFFDF account.” He will get the money in his account to buy the mobility equipment once his case is approved.
- The applicant must submit the following documents after purchasing the mobility equipment:
- A photocopy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate of the new scooter purchased by the Ex-Servicemen.
- A duplicate of the dealer’s payment slip.
- A photograph of the scooter with the ESM and an independent witness with their names, addresses, and signatures. The registered number of the scooter should be seen in the photograph along with the ESM and the independent witness.
- On receipt of the above-mentioned documents, the post-dated cheque forwarded by the ESM will be destroyed by the KSB Secretariat. On failing to submit the above-mentioned documents, the same cheque will be deposited in the AFFDF account.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The application for financial assistance for the procurement of a modified scooter for disabled ESM should be made on the prescribed application format with the recommendation of the concerned Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO). The following documents duly attested by the concerned ZSWO must accompany the application:
- Complete Discharge Book/Document/Certificate of the Ex-Servicemen.
- Ex-Servicemen Identity Card.
- Disability Certificate issued by the Armed Forces Medical Authority, indicating the nature of disability and recommending the procurement of mobility equipment.
- Financial estimate for a modified scooter from an authorized dealer indicating the type, make, and specifications of the mobility equipment.
- Details of Bank Account Number (in PNB/SBI only) and IFS Code of the Ex-Servicemen.
The application must be submitted by the eligible ESM at the respective ZSB. The ZSWO will scrutinize the application and if found correct in all respects, will forward it directly to the KSB Secretariat for payment.
PROCESSING AND PAYMENT PROCEDURE
The KSB Secretariat will receive the applications and they will check and verify the entries and send them to the Joint Director (Welfare) for approval. The applications will be approved by the competent authority in one batch, every three months if possible. The Welfare Section will then process the payments and send them to the Accounts Section. The Accounts Section will pay the beneficiaries directly as per the funds available.
LIFE OF MOBILITY EQUIPMENT
The life of mobility equipment has been fixed as 10 years from the date of purchase. The beneficiary can re-apply for new mobility equipment after the lapse of 10 years from the date of purchase of the previous equipment.
CONCLUSION
The financial assistance for the procurement of modified scooters for disabled ESMs is a noble initiative by the KSB to provide mobility and dignity to the ESMs who have become handicapped after they retire from service. The scheme is a gesture of gratitude and respect for the service and sacrifice of the ESM and their families for the nation. The ESM who are eligible and interested in availing of this scheme should contact their nearest ZSB for more details and guidance.