Centre hikes financial aid for orphaned children of ex-servicemen; details inside

New Delhi, July 30: The Defence Ministry on Friday announced that financial assistance offered to the orphaned children of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) will be hiked from Rs 1000 per month to Rs 3000 per month under the 'ORPHAN GRANT SCHEME' of Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund. "Delighted to announce the revision of financial assistance to the orphaned children of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) from Rs 1000 per month to Rs 3000 per month under ORPHAN GRANT SCHEME of the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund. Many ESM families will be benefited from this decision," Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Twitter on Friday. "In line with the government's policy of ease of living and dignified life for all citizens and as a humanitarian gesture to the Armed Services, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the enhancement of the financial aid to the orphaned children of Ex-servicemen (ESM) from Rs 1000 per month to Rs. 3000 per month. This will enable orphaned children to lead a better life with respect and honour," a government release read. Also Read | Both pilots killed as IAF Mig-21 crashes near Rajasthan's Barmer This scheme is managed by Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and funded by the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund (RMEWF) and is a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The present scheme is intended for the orphaned child who is a legitimate offspring aged below 21 years in the case of the son or unmarried daughter of any Ex-Serviceman. In order to avail the benefits of this scheme, the applications are recommended by the respective Zila Sainik Board (ZSB). Also Read | Chandigarh: Rise in 'HFMD' cases among students, schools switch to online classes -PTC News