Military Veterans Welfare
The Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) is a vital financial safety net for personnel of the Indian Army. Over the years, AGIF has evolved not only to cover serving soldiers but also to extend insurance protection beyond retirement, discharge, or death, ensuring continued financial security for families. The AGIF Extended Insurance Scheme is especially important … Read more
A Landmark Judgment Upholding the Right to Life and Medical Dignity of Pensioners In a significant judgment reinforcing the constitutional right to life and healthcare, the Bombay High Court directed the Union of India and the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) to fully reimburse a retired Central Government pensioner for a life-saving heart transplant surgery. … Read more
Background: What is Pension Commutation? Under the Central Civil Services (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981, a government servant (including defence civilian pensioners and similar categories) is allowed to commute up to 40% of his pension. This system is widely used by pensioners, including many Ex-Servicemen (ESM), to meet post-retirement financial needs such as housing, medical … Read more
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has officially announced its Recruitment Drive for 2026, opening up 175 contractual vacancies across medical, paramedical, technical, and administrative categories. This recruitment drive is a significant opportunity for Ex-Servicemen (ESM), retired defence personnel, and qualified civilian medical professionals who wish to serve the veteran community while continuing their professional … Read more
Gratuity Rules and Recent Changes Gratuity is a statutory retirement benefit paid in recognition of long and continuous service. For Ex-Servicemen (ESM) who retire from the Armed Forces and later join civil employment (Central/State Government, PSU, Autonomous Bodies, Banks, etc.), a long-standing question arises: Is an Ex-Serviceman entitled to gratuity twice—once for military service and … Read more
An Official Initiative by Rajya Sainik Board, Govt. of West Bengal ( এই নিবন্ধের শেষে বাংলা অনুবাদ দেওয়া হয়েছে) The Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Government of West Bengal, under the Home & Hill Affairs Department (Defence Branch), has issued an important directive to ensure wide dissemination of key financial, livelihood, and credit-linked schemes among Ex-Servicemen … Read more
DO NOT IGNORE THESE — CHECK NOW Retirement from defence service is not the end of responsibilities—it is the beginning of documentation-driven survival for your family.Thousands of widows and dependents face pension stoppage, legal battles, and financial distress not because rules are harsh, but because basic post-retirement formalities were ignored. This article analyses 25 most … Read more
In a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility for defence personnel and ex-servicemen, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), has issued an official communication regarding the launch of tele-consultation services through the E-SeHAT portal/app. This initiative aims to provide online medical consultations and medicine delivery under the … Read more
Insurance & Financial Preparedness Term Life Insurance Serving personnel must purchase a Term Life Insurance policy before retirement, as most insurers do not offer term insurance post-retirement. Early coverage ensures long-term financial security for dependents. Term insurance costs a little. Identity & Nominee Verification Ensure that Name, Date of Birth, and Dependent details are exactly … Read more
Background and Issuing Authority The Directorate General of Medical Services (Army) under Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) has issued an official communication vide Reference No. B/78542/MPRS (O) dated 31 October 2025. The letter has been circulated to all major medical formations, including Southern, Northern, Eastern, Western, Central and Southwestern Commands (Medical), as well … Read more
When will be 8th CPC Implemented ? केंद्र सरकार ने 8th Central Pay Commission (8th CPC) का गठन औपचारिक रूप से कर दिया है और इसके लिए Ministry of Finance द्वारा 03 November 2025 को Terms of Reference (ToR) भी नोटिफाई कर दिए गए हैं। Lok Sabha में 08 December 2025 को Unstarred Question No. … Read more
आज के digital era में personal data protection एक बड़ी चिंता का विषय बन गया है, खासकर Ex-Servicemen (ESM) और ECHS beneficiaries के लिए, जिनके पास कई sensitive medical और personal documents होते हैं। हाल ही में Central Organisation ECHS ने एक महत्वपूर्ण advisory जारी की है जिसमें बताया गया है कि कई unverified websites … Read more
In the digital age, personal data protection has become a critical concern, especially for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and ECHS beneficiaries who often handle sensitive medical and personal documents. The Central Organisation ECHS has issued an important advisory highlighting the growing risks associated with uploading personal documents on unverified websites that offer free online services. This article … Read more
The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) provides a wide range of subsidized AFD-I items—such as cars, two-wheelers, and electronic appliances—to serving personnel, retired personnel, widows (NOK), and defence civilians. The entitlements vary according to rank, pay band, and category. To help beneficiaries understand their eligibility, purchase limits, and financial ceilings, this article provides a comprehensive breakdown … Read more
The ESM Info Club is a committed welfare initiative dedicated to serving Ex-Servicemen (ESM), war widows, family pensioners, dependents of armed forces personnel, and even serving soldiers. In an era where rules, procedures, and government systems are rapidly changing, the need for accurate, timely, and dependable information has become crucial for the defence fraternity. ESM … Read more
Benefits applicable to DSP Pension Account Holder Benefits under Pension Account are subject to classification of Savings Bank Account to respective Pension Account and Variant in banks system. All Customers Drawing Pension through SBI Accounts are required to apply along with proof of Pension and PPO to their home branch for conversion of savings account … Read more
It has been observed that deerness relief of some pensioners ceased by PCDA(P) after putting declaration of their re-employment. To solve this problem, while submit Life Certificate on SPARSH, must upload the certificate signed by your Office master. Format is given here . In this regard please go through the Pension Regulation for the Army … Read more
Re-employment after military retirement is common among Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs). However, confusion persists regarding Dearness Relief (DR) on pension and pay fixation rules in Central/State Government offices, PSUs, autonomous bodies, and banks. The PCDA (Pensions) Circular No. 200 dated 12 April 2018 provides authoritative clarification on when DR is admissible … Read more
A Detailed information for awareness of Ex-Servicemen Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) form the backbone of welfare administration for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their families at the district level. Functioning as the primary interface between the veteran community and local administration, ZSBs ensure the timely resolution of grievances, effective implementation of welfare schemes, and coordination with district … Read more
A Comprehensive Guide for Eligible Students and Ex-Servicemen Families The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, aims to support the higher professional education of wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and Ex-Coast Guard personnel. For the academic year 2025–26, fresh applications … Read more