Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday approved a 100 per cent increase in financial assistance for ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents under schemes implemented by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through Kendriya Sainik Board, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement.

Penury grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing sustained lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ESM and their widows above 65 years of age with no regular income, as per the ministry.

The education grant has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month per head for up to two dependent children (Class I to Graduation) or widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.

The Marriage grant has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per b

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