For Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their families in West Bengal, the Identity Card issued through the Zila Sainik Board and Rajya Sainik Board is an essential document for availing welfare benefits, pension-related support, ECHS facilities, and various government schemes.
In April 2026, the Rajya Sainik Board, Government of West Bengal issued an important notification regarding the collection of charges for loss of Identity Card and issue of Dependant Card. This update clearly defines the penalty amount, online payment process, and reporting mechanism for all Zila Sainik Boards in West Bengal.
This article provides a complete, easy-to-understand guide for veterans, widows, and dependants.
The Rajya Sainik Board, Block-IV, First Floor, Writers’ Buildings, Kolkata – 700001, vide Letter No. 02/2019-276/RSB dated 10 April 2026, issued an official notification on the subject “Collection of Charges for Loss of Identity Card and Issue of Dependant Card”, applicable to all Zila Sainik Boards across West Bengal, and laid down the following guidelines:
Why This Notification is Important
The Identity Card of an Ex-Serviceman is often required for:
- ECHS medical facilities
- CSD canteen-related documentation
- State welfare benefits
- Pension and family pension support
- Widow/dependant verification
- Rajya Sainik Board benefits
- Employment-related ESM verification
Loss of this card can create serious inconvenience. Therefore, the government has standardized charges and introduced a fully online payment system.
Charges for Loss of Identity Card and Dependant Card Issue
As per the notification, the following charges are applicable:
Penalty for Loss of Identity Card (Ex-Sericeman)
Charges:
| Number of Losses | Penalty Amount |
| 1st Loss | ₹100 |
| 2nd Loss | ₹200 |
| 3rd Loss | ₹300 |
This applies when the original ESM Identity Card is lost and a replacement is required.
Issue of Dependant Identity Card
Fixed Charge:
| Service | Charge |
| Issue of Dependant ID Card | ₹100 |
This applies for spouse, widow, children, or eligible dependants requiring official dependant identity documentation.
Penalty for Loss of Dependant Identity Card
Charges:
| Number of Losses | Penalty Amount |
| 1st Loss | ₹300 |
| 2nd Loss | ₹600 |
| 3rd Loss | ₹900 |
The penalty for dependant card loss is significantly higher than that of ESM cards, making it important to preserve the card carefully.
No Cash Payment Allowed
One of the most important instructions in the order is:
NO CASH FOR THE ABOVE SERVICES AND PENALTIES WILL BE COLLECTED
This means:
- No offline cash submission
- No payment at office counters
- No manual receipt system
Only online payment is permitted.
This helps improve transparency, audit control, and proper fund monitoring.
How to Deposit the Charges
The charges must be deposited directly into the:
Rajya Sainik Board Armed Forces Flag Day Fund Account
Payment can be made through:
Option 1: QR Code Payment
Applicants can scan the official QR code provided by the Rajya Sainik Board and make direct payment using UPI or mobile banking.
Option 2: Direct Bank Transfer
Bank Account Details
- Account Number: 11143634477
- IFSC Code: SBIN0000001
Bank transfer should be completed before submitting the request for duplicate Identity Card or dependant card.
Quarterly Reporting by Zila Sainik Boards
The notification also directs all Zila Sainik Boards to:
- Maintain transaction records
- Submit quarterly reports
- Forward total deposited amounts to RSB
This is necessary for:
- Monitoring
- Audit purposes
- Administrative transparency
Reference of Earlier Orders
This instruction is based on:
- KSB Letter No. 102/ESM I Card/2012/KSB/D dated 13 June 2013
- 06/Policy/Gen Pol/Vol-I dated 03 August 2018
This confirms that the present order is issued as part of policy continuation and administrative strengthening.
Important Advice for Ex-Servicemen and Families
To avoid penalties and delays:
Keep Multiple Copies
Always maintain:
- Photocopies
- Scanned digital copies
- Soft copy backup
Update Dependant Details Timely
Do not delay in applying for dependant cards after:
- Marriage
- Retirement
- Death of pensioner
- Family pension sanction
- Widow pension cases
Preserve Payment Proof
Always keep:
- UPI transaction screenshot
- Bank transfer receipt
- Payment acknowledgment
These may be required during verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is cash payment accepted for duplicate ESM ID Card?
No. Only online payment is allowed.
Q2. What is the fee for a new dependant card?
₹100.
Q3. What is the penalty for losing a dependant card for the second time?
₹600.
Q4. Where should the payment be deposited?
Into the Rajya Sainik Board Armed Forces Flag Day Fund Account.
Q5. Who can appy for a dependant card?
Eligible spouse, widow, children, and authorized dependants of Ex-Servicemen.
Most Important Points on ESM I card
This 2026 order by Rajya Sainik Board is an important administrative step to streamline Identity Card management for veterans and their families.
The move toward online-only payment improves accountability and reduces misuse while ensuring proper welfare administration.
All Ex-Servicemen, widows, and dependants in West Bengal should understand these revised charges and follow the official process carefully to avoid unnecessary delay or rejection.
Preserving your Identity Card is not just about documentation—it is directly connected to your welfare rights and benefits.
Know more in this matter –
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