Over 9,600 War Widows and Families of Martyrs Receiving Liberalised Family Pension
The Government of India has disclosed comprehensive details regarding pension benefits, ex-gratia compensation, and welfare measures available to war widows and families of martyrs in response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha. The information was provided by Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth on 16 March 2026.
The reply highlights the extensive support system created for families of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
More Than 9,600 Beneficiaries Receiving Liberalised Family Pension
According to data maintained through the SPARSH pension platform, as of 31 January 2026:
- 8,329 spouses (widows) were receiving Liberalised Family Pension (LFP).
- 1,368 other eligible family members were receiving Liberalised Family Pension.
This brings the total number of beneficiaries under Categories D and E to 9,697 families.
Rank-wise Distribution of Beneficiaries
Among officers, the highest number of widows drawing LFP belonged to the rank of Major, with 220 beneficiaries. Among PBORs, Sepoys accounted for the largest share with 4,606 widows receiving pension.
Officer Category
| Rank | Widows Receiving LFP |
| Lieutenant | 23 |
| Captain | 83 |
| Major | 220 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 72 |
| Colonel | 40 |
| Brigadier | 10 |
| Major General | 3 |
JCOs/Other Ranks
| Rank | Widows Receiving LFP |
| Sepoy | 4,606 |
| Naik | 1,504 |
| Havildar | 1,081 |
| Naib Subedar | 343 |
| Subedar | 326 |
₹1,916 Crore Paid as Liberalised Family Pension in Five Years
The Ministry informed Parliament that approximately ₹1,916.27 crore has been paid as Liberalised Family Pension during the last five years through SPARSH.
The Government clarified that there is no concept of an average pension because pension amounts depend on:
- Rank held
- Last pay drawn
- Nature of casualty
- Applicable pension rules
Monthly Pension Disbursement Exceeds ₹69 Crore
For February 2026 alone, pension disbursed through SPARSH amounted to:
| Category | Amount |
| Commissioned Officers | ₹9.92 crore |
| JCOs/Other Ranks | ₹59.71 crore |
| Total | ₹69.62 crore |
Among PBOR categories, Sepoy families received the largest share, amounting to over ₹32.25 crore in a single month.
930 Families Received Ex-Gratia Compensation
The Defence Ministry disclosed that during the last five years:
- 930 beneficiaries received ex-gratia lump-sum compensation.
- Total compensation paid amounted to ₹293.20 crore.
This compensation is provided in addition to pensionary benefits in eligible cases.
Free ECHS Membership and Home Delivery of Medicines
War widows are provided significant healthcare support.
Major facilities include:
Exemption from ECHS Contribution
War widows are exempted from the one-time contribution normally required for membership of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Home Delivery of Medicines
Eligible beneficiaries can receive medicines through home delivery from authorized local chemists under ECHS.
Housing Benefits for Families of Martyrs
The Government also highlighted housing support measures.
The Air Force Naval Housing Board (AFNHB) gives first priority in allotment of housing units to widows of martyred Air Force and Naval personnel under its ongoing housing schemes on actual cost basis.
Employment and Resettlement Opportunities
The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) provides several schemes under which widows and dependents are eligible.
Key Opportunities Include:
Coal Tipper Attachment Scheme
Widows can participate by depositing ₹1 lakh as seed money and receive monthly reimbursement benefits. The deposited amount is returned after completion of the contract.
Safal Retail Outlet Allotment
Fruit and vegetable retail outlets operated under Safal can be allotted to widows and dependents of service personnel. This facility is available in Delhi-NCR.
LPG and Petrol Pump Dealership Reservation
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas reserves 8% quota in LPG distributorships and petrol pumps for defence personnel categories, including eligible war widows and dependents.
Skill Development Courses
Widows are eligible for DGR resettlement and skill development courses, with 3% of vacancies reserved for them annually.
Reservation in Government Jobs
Special employment benefits are available to dependents and widows.
Public Sector Banks and CPSUs
Reservation includes:
- 14.5% in Group C posts
- 24.5% in Group D posts
This includes a specific quota for disabled ex-servicemen and dependents of personnel killed in action.
Central Government and CAPFs
Widows and two dependents of deceased personnel are granted Priority-IIA status for recruitment to Group C and Group D posts.
Financial Assistance Available Through Kendriya Sainik Board
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) administers numerous grants and welfare measures.
Major Grants
| Scheme | Benefit |
| Penury Grant | ₹8,000 per month |
| Education Grant | ₹2,000 per month |
| Disabled Child Grant | ₹3,000 per month |
| Daughter Marriage Grant | ₹1 lakh |
| Widow Re-marriage Grant | ₹1 lakh |
| Medical Treatment Grant | Up to ₹50,000 |
| Orphan Grant | ₹3,000 per month |
| Vocational Training Grant | ₹50,000 one-time |
Support for Serious Diseases
War widows and dependents can receive assistance for serious medical conditions such as:
- Angioplasty
- CABG surgery
- Valve replacement
- Stroke treatment
- Joint replacement
- Renal failure
- Cancer treatment
- Dialysis
Financial assistance may cover up to 75%–90% of expenses, subject to prescribed ceilings.
Home Loan Interest Subsidy
One of the most significant benefits available is:
Interest Subsidy on Home Loans
War-bereaved families, war-disabled personnel and attributable peace-time casualties can receive reimbursement of 50% of interest charged by banks and public institutions for house construction.
The subsidy is available up to ₹1 lakh (one-time).
Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme
The Government provides 5,500 scholarships every year to eligible wards of defence personnel.
Scholarship rates are:
- Boys: ₹2,500 per month
- Girls: ₹3,000 per month
The scholarship continues for the entire duration of the approved course.
MBBS and BDS Seats Reserved for Defence Wards
For FY 2025-26:
- 42 MBBS seats
- 3 BDS seats
were allotted through the Kendriya Sainik Board under the Government of India nominee category for wards of defence personnel.
Conclusion
The data presented in Parliament demonstrates the scale of support being extended to war widows and families of martyrs. With nearly 9,700 beneficiaries receiving Liberalised Family Pension, over ₹1,916 crore disbursed in five years, ₹293 crore in ex-gratia compensation, free ECHS benefits, housing support, educational assistance, job reservations, and financial grants, the Government continues to maintain a comprehensive welfare framework for families who have sacrificed for the nation.
For veterans, war widows, and dependents, awareness of these schemes is essential to ensure that all eligible benefits are availed in a timely manner.