Many Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their widows face various challenges and difficulties in their lives, especially when they have to look after their children who are 100% disabled. These children require special care and attention, which can be costly and stressful for the ESM and their widows. To assist them in this regard, the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) has launched a scheme of financial assistance for 100% disabled children of ESM. This scheme aims to provide a small measure of relief to the ESM and their widows and to acknowledge and appreciate their service and sacrifice for the nation.
WHAT IS THE SCHEME AND WHEN DID IT START?
The scheme of financial assistance for 100% disabled children of ESM was started in 2007, with an amount of Rs 500 per month per child. The scheme was revised in Oct 2011 to Rs 1,000 per month per child. The scheme has been further increased to Rs 3,000 per month per child (paid annually) with effect from 1 August 2021.
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE SCHEME?
This scheme aims to provide a small measure of relief to 100% disabled children of ESM, who are not in receipt of any disability benefit from any official agency. The scheme also honours and supports the ESM and their widows, who have served the nation with valour and dedication.
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:
- Child must be a legitimate offspring of ESM/Widow.
- Ex-Servicemen of JCO rank or equivalent in Navy/Air Force and below can apply
- The child should be 100% disabled.
The respective Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) must recommend the applicant.
To apply for financial assistance, the applicant has to fill out the prescribed application form with the recommendation of the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO). The application form can be downloaded from the web portal of KSB. You need to include these documents in your application form:
- Photocopy of Discharge Book (must have entry regarding the child).
- ESM and dependent ID card by ZSB
- 100% disability certificate issued by Military / Govt hospital.
- Your PNB/SBI bank account number and IFS code are required.
- Aadhaar Card copy of the ESM.
The application must be submitted by an eligible ESM / widow at the respective ZSB by 31st Dec of the year. The ZSWO will scrutinize the application and forward it to KSB by 31st Jan of the year for further processing and approval.
HOW IS THE SCHEME PROCESSED AND PAID?
On receipt of the application, the KSB will file it in order of receipt in batches of 200 each. The data from the applications will be entered into the computer and verified by the Section-in-Charge and the JD(Welfare). The applications will be moved for sanction of the competent authority in one lot, preferably every quarter.
After the application has been approved, the payment will be made directly via ECS or by an account payee cheque. The payment will be done in batches of 200 applications by the Welfare Section, after verifying the service number, name, bankers, IFS Code and account number.
HOW TO RENEW AND CONTINUE THE SCHEME?
The financial assistance for a 100% disabled child of Ex-Servicemen, once approved by the competent authority, stands for the life of the approved child of non-pensioner Ex-Servicemen or the widow. No fresh application will be required thereafter, however, the applicant on behalf of the beneficiary must submit a life certificate online duly countersigned by respective ZSWO between 01 Dec to 31 Mar of the current financial year.
The life certificate can be submitted on the web portal of KSB. Online applications for renewal of the grant will not be accepted by the web portal after 31 Mar of the current financial year. No grant applications will be accepted for lapsed financial years. It may be noted that the financial assistance is non-transferable and will cease automatically upon the death of the 100% disabled child.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND IMPACT OF THE SCHEME?
The scheme of financial assistance for 100% disabled children of Ex-Servicemen is a great help and support for the ESM and their widows who have to look after their disabled children. The scheme helps them to meet the expenses and challenges that they may face in providing care and attention to their children. The scheme also recognizes and appreciates the service and sacrifice of the ESM and their families for the nation. Click here to know more about this scheme.
CONCLUSION
The scheme of financial assistance for 100% disabled children of ESM is a noble initiative by the KSB to provide a helping hand to the Ex-Servicemen and their widows who have to look after their disabled children. The scheme is a way of honouring and supporting the ESM and their families, who have served the nation with valour and dedication
The Pride & Privilege of being an Ex-Serviceman in India
