INTRODUCTION
To overcome the poverty barrier and promote education among the families of Ex-Servicemen (ESM), the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) offers a financial assistance scheme under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. This scheme, started in 1981 and revised in 2011, provides a monthly grant of Rs 1000 per child (for up to two children) from Class I to graduation level, and also for widows pursuing post-graduation degrees (except professional or technical courses). This scheme aims to honour and support the ESM and their widows, who have served the nation with valour and dedication, by helping them educate their wards.
PRESENT SCHEME
As of now, eligible ESM and their widows receive financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 1000 per month per child for the previous academic year, payable in a single installment within the financial year. This aid is applicable for classes 1 to 12 in school and undergraduate classes in a degree college. Additionally, widows interested in pursuing a 2-year post-graduate degree are also eligible. The assistance is limited to two dependent children of ESM up to the rank of Havildar in the Army (or equivalent in the Navy and Air Force) and their widows for post-graduation degree courses.
AIM
The primary aim of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to a maximum of two dependent children of ESM or their widows, up to the rank of Havildar in the Army and equivalent in the Navy and Air Force, who are not receiving a similar benefit from the State or their employer. This assistance also applies to widows pursuing post-graduation degree courses.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To avail of financial assistance under this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
(a) The applicant must be an dependent children of ESM/ widow/orphan dependent.
(b) Should be of rank Havildar/equivalent and below.
(c) The scheme is applicable for classes 1 to 12 of school and undergraduate classes of a degree college. This grant is also admissible to widows who wish to pursue a 2-year post-graduate degree. The ward/widow must complete the course.
(d) The applicant should not be drawing education allowance or similar benefits from the State or their employer.
(e) The scheme is eligible for only the first two children. However, specific conditions apply in the case of twins.
(f) In the unfortunate demise of the 1st or 2nd child, specific conditions for eligibility apply, and supporting documents such as death certificates must be provided.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Applicants must log in to the web portal of KSB and apply for the Education grant. The following scanned images of documents, duly attested by the respective ZSWO, must be uploaded:
(a) Service Document/Discharge Book of ESM.
(b) ESM or Widow I-Card issued by respective ZSB.
(c) Mark sheet/School Progress Card of the child/children.
(d) Part-II Order mentioning names of the children for which the grant is sought.
(e) A self-certificate from the applicant stating that no money/grant has been received from the State or present employer as education allowance or scholarship.
(f) Details of Bank A/c No and IFS Code of the ESM.
(g) Aadhaar Card copy of the ESM.
CHANNEL OF APPLICATION FOR ESM
Applications for the just finished academic year must be submitted online by eligible ESM or their widows to the respective ZSB, following the schedule provided by KSB Secretariat. ZSWO will scrutinize the online applications, arrange appointments for verification, and recommend the application to the KSB Secretariat via RSB for approval and payment in the current financial year. The cut-off dates for all categories will be available on the NEWS Section of the web portal, and cases older than one year will not be accepted. Click Here to read more about this scheme.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, financial assistance for the education scheme is a vital initiative that aims to overcome the educational challenges faced by the ESM and their widows and their children. The scheme provides them with financial support to pursue their studies up to the graduation and post-graduation levels. The scheme also honours and supports the ESM and their families, who have served the nation with valour and dedication. The scheme embodies the motto “Nation First, Always and Every Time”, which signifies the supreme importance of the nation’s interest and welfare. The scheme ensures that the ESM and their widows, who have contributed to the nation’s glory, are not left behind in the nation’s progress. The scheme
THE PRIDE AND PRIVILEGE OF BEING AN EX-SERVICEMAN IN INDIA
