Indian Veterans have been provided some Self-employment opportunities. In general, Ex-Servicemen (ESM) are provided various schemes of the Government of India and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). These schemes are mainly coordinated through the Directorate General Resettlement under the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India.
Thorugh these schemes retired Armed Forces personnel may start businesses and achieve financial independence after retirement.
Several opportunities are available such as petrol pumps, LPG distributorships, COCO outlets, CNG stations, dairy booths, and other commercial outlets.
Petrol Pump (Retail Outlet Dealership)
Petrol pump dealership is one of the most popular self-employment schemes for ex-servicemen.
Oil Companies Offering Dealership
Reservation for Ex-Servicemen
The Government provides 8% reservation in petrol pump dealerships and LPG distributorships for defence personnel and their dependents.
Eligibility
- Ex-Servicemen (Officers / JCO / OR)
- Widows of defence personnel
- Dependents of soldiers killed in action
- Disabled soldiers
Investment
- Rural pump: ₹25–50 lakh
- Highway/urban pump: ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore
Income
Profit depends on sales volume and location.
Average monthly income may range between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
LPG Gas Agency (Distributorship)
LPG distributorship is another high-earning business opportunity.
LPG Brands
- Indane (IOCL)
- Bharat Gas (BPCL)
- HP Gas (HPCL)
Reservation
LPG distributorship also comes under the Government Personnel category which includes defence personnel.
Requirements
- Godown for LPG storage
- Office / showroom
- Safety clearance
Investment
Approx ₹20–40 lakh
Income
₹1–3 lakh per month depending on consumer base.
COCO Petrol Pump (Company Owned Company Operated)
COCO outlets are petrol pumps owned by oil companies but operated by contractors or service providers.
Key Features
- Lower investment compared to dealership
- Operator manages staff and daily operations
- Oil company owns infrastructure
Income
- Fixed monthly remuneration
- Incentives based on fuel sales
These schemes are sometimes offered to Ex-Servicemen through DGR recommendations.
Kisan Seva Kendra (Rural Petrol Pump)
Kisan Seva Kendra (KSK) is a small petrol pump designed for rural and agricultural areas.
Purpose
- Provide fuel to farmers
- Improve rural fuel availability
Benefits
- Lower investment
- Smaller land requirement
Investment
₹15–30 lakh.
CNG Station Management
Ex-Servicemen (especially officers) can also get opportunities to manage CNG stations, particularly in major cities.
Companies involved include:
- Indraprastha Gas Limited
- GAIL (India) Limited
Some CNG station management schemes have been specifically offered to ESM through DGR in the NCR region. One is Dairy Booths and Milk Franchise
The Government also allows Ex-Servicemen to operate milk booths and vegetable outlets. These include franchises from companies like:
- Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt Ltd
The scheme includes:
- Mother Dairy milk booths
- Safal fruit and vegetable shops
These are specifically listed among self-employment schemes for ex-servicemen managed through DGR. (Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare)
Investment
₹2–5 lakh.
Income
₹20,000–₹60,000 per month depending on location.
Kerosene Oil Agency (SKO/LDO Dealer)
Earlier, kerosene oil agencies were allotted under Public Distribution System (PDS).
They were part of the Oil Product Agency scheme with defence reservation.
Other Self-Employment Schemes Under DGR
Besides fuel and dairy businesses, the Directorate General Resettlement also runs other schemes for ex-servicemen.
These include:
- Security Agency Scheme
- Coal Loading and Transport Scheme
- Coal Tipper Attachment Scheme
- Technical Services Scheme
These schemes help ex-servicemen establish small enterprises and service businesses after retirement.
How to Apply for These Schemes
Step 1 — Watch Advertisements
Oil companies publish dealership advertisements in:
- National newspapers
- Company websites
- Official dealership portal
Step 2 — Apply Online
Most petrol pump and LPG agency applications are now submitted online through the Petrol Pump Dealer Selection portal.
Step 3 — DGR Eligibility Certificate
If the location is reserved for Defence Personnel, applicants must obtain an Eligibility Certificate from DGR before applying.
Step 4 — Selection Process
- Document verification
- Draw of lots
- Issue of Letter of Intent
Where to Approach in New Delhi
The main authority for these schemes is:
Directorate General Resettlement (DGR)
Ministry of Defence
West Block-IV, RK Puram
New Delhi – 110066
However, actual allotment of petrol pumps or LPG agencies is done by the oil companies, not DGR. DGR mainly provides eligibility certification and guidance.
Important Advice for Ex-Servicemen
Many ex-servicemen approach DGR expecting direct allotment, but the system has changed.
Today:
- Oil companies advertise locations.
- Applicants apply directly online.
- Selection is usually done through draw of lots.
Therefore, the best strategy is to monitor advertisements regularly and apply quickly.
✅ Conclusion
Self-employment schemes such as petrol pumps, LPG agencies, CNG stations, and dairy booths provide excellent business opportunities for ex-servicemen.
With government reservation policies and institutional support from DGR, retired defence personnel can build stable and profitable businesses after retirement.
However, success requires:
- awareness of advertisements
- timely applications
- financial preparation.
