Zila Sainik Boards in your Welfare : Know its Duty and Activity to serve you

Overview of ZSB

The Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) functions as the district-level body responsible for the implementation of welfare measures for Ex-Servicemen (ESM), widows, and dependents of serving or deceased personnel. It also plays a vital role in resolving grievances through coordination with the local civil administration.

Each ZSB covers one or more revenue districts within a state, with the District Collector serving as its Chairman. The Secretary of the ZSB also acts as the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO), serving as the executive arm of the Board.

Composition of Zila Sainik Boards

The ZSBs are structured to ensure representation from civil authorities, ex-servicemen, and the local community.

Notes:

1. The State/UT Governments may modify the composition to suit their administrative needs, provided the core structure remains intact.
2. In cases where a ZSB covers multiple districts, representation must be ensured from all constituent districts.

Establishment of New ZSBs

State Governments are empowered to set up new ZSBs in districts where the population of Ex-Servicemen and families of serving/deceased service personnel is 7,500 or more.
In districts with less than 7,500 such population (usually in remote, hilly, or tribal areas), the prior approval of the Central Government (Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, MoD) is required for establishing a new ZSB.

Responsibilities of Zila Sainik Welfare Officers (ZSWOs)

The ZSWO is the executive head of the ZSB and carries multifaceted responsibilities in welfare, resettlement, outreach, and administration.

(A) Welfare Responsibilities

ZSWOs manage traditional welfare activities and ensure direct assistance to Ex-Servicemen and their families through:

1. Settlement of pensions, retirement benefits, and grants in coordination with relevant authorities.
2. Facilitating Life Certification for elderly or disabled ESM and widows.
3. Encouraging beneficiaries to apply for Central/State welfare schemes and charitable assistance.
4. Ensuring timely scrutiny and processing of applications.
5. Maintaining liaison with Record Offices and Pension Disbursing Authorities of the three Services.
6. Assisting in the settlement of land and property disputes.
7. Supporting families of serving personnel during their absence.
8. Promoting welfare through Sainik Rest Houses (SRHs), Old-Age Homes, Jawan Bhavans, Vocational Training Centres, etc.
9. Providing assistance for medical treatment in military and civil hospitals.
10. Liaising with NGOs, charitable bodies, and voluntary organisations for additional welfare initiatives.
11. Maintaining updated registers of war widows and dependents of disabled soldiers.
12. Representing ESM grievances with district administration and defence authorities.

(B) Resettlement Responsibilities

1. Liaison with local industries, employment exchanges, and revenue departments to secure employment and land settlement benefits for ESM.
2. Support ESM in forming cooperatives and self-employment ventures.
3. Provide resettlement assistance to war widows, dependents, and disabled personnel.
4. Explore avenues for educational and vocational training to enhance employability.

(C) Other Responsibilities

1. Organise the Armed Forces Flag Day and manage district-level fund-raising activities.
2. Conduct ESM Rallies, Reunions, and Outreach Programs to assess welfare needs, particularly in remote or border areas.
   1. Interact with veterans to assess pension and welfare issues.
   1. Felicitate war widows and gallantry award winners on national occasions.
   1. Provide local support to Army, Navy, and Air Force formations during outreach drives.
3. Disseminate information on:
   1. Role and contributions of the Armed Forces.
   1. Recruitment opportunities and service terms.
   1. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
   1. New welfare schemes and gallantry awards.

(D) Administrative Responsibilities

1. Verify and register ESM as per Central Government guidelines.
2. Issue ESM Identity Cards and maintain a digital database of veterans and widows.
3. Process post-retirement documentation and administer welfare institutions (SRHs, Bhavans, etc.).
4. Represent Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and MoD in local court cases.
5. Conduct regular ZSB meetings under the Chairmanship of the District Collector to review welfare measures.
6. Submit reports, feedback, and inspection returns to the respective RSB and KSB.

(E) Role of Welfare Organisers

Each ZSB employs Welfare Organisers (ESM JCOs) who serve as the grassroots link between the Board and the veteran community.
They visit ESM households, understand their needs and challenges, assist in resolving issues, and spread awareness about available welfare schemes. Their feedback is crucial for planning welfare initiatives at district and state levels.

Census and Data Management

For effective planning and budget allocation, ZSBs periodically update ESM data.

• RSBs consolidate data biannually and forward it to the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) and Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB).
• The Census of ESM and Widows as of 30 June 2025 has been prepared, serving as the official reference for welfare evaluation and policy formulation.

Conclusion

The Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) are the foundation of India’s veteran welfare network, translating national policies into ground-level action.
Through their integrated structure — led by the District Collector, supported by dedicated ZSWOs, and guided by active ESM participation — ZSBs ensure that no Ex-Serviceman or dependent is left behind in the pursuit of welfare, dignity, and resettlement.