Ex-servicemen, widows in Telangana to get higher welfare grants

Financial assistance for ex-servicemen, widows and dependents in Telangana is set to rise after the State Managing Committee of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund cleared higher grants and approved new welfare assistance schemes.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the State Managing Committee held under the chairmanship of Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Lok Bhavan in Hyderabad on Thursday, September 24.

Education, disability and marriage grants raised

Among the key decisions, the education grant for children of ex-servicemen from Class 1 to degree level was increased from ₹10,000 to ₹17,000.

The monthly financial assistance for 100% disabled ex-servicemen was enhanced from ₹15,000 to ₹18,000.

The Committee also increased the monthly assistance for children with special needs of ex-servicemen.

For special children below 15 years, the grant was raised from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000.

For those above 15 years, the assistance was increased from ₹9,000 to ₹10,000.

The marriage grant for daughters of ex-servicemen was enhanced from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.

Besides increasing existing assistance, the Committee approved several new welfare measures.

Mobility and special-school fee support approved

Under the mobility assistance scheme, ex-servicemen who are unable to walk will be eligible for reimbursement of 50% of the cost of a three-wheeler motorised vehicle or a three-wheeler wheelchair, subject to prescribed conditions.

The Committee also approved a new assistance scheme for children of ex-servicemen with special needs who are studying in recognised special schools.

Under this scheme, 50% of the school fee will be reimbursed, subject to eligibility.

These approvals expand the scope of support from recurring grants to reimbursements linked to mobility needs and special education costs.

Medical grant for non-pensioners

The Committee approved a medical grant of ₹1 lakh for eligible ex-servicemen or widows who are not receiving a pension.

This medical grant will be provided in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla directed officials to minimise documentation requirements for beneficiaries.

He also directed that financial assistance be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts wherever feasible.

The Governor stressed the need for extensive awareness campaigns so that eligible beneficiaries are aware of the welfare schemes available to them.

He said such awareness was needed so that eligible beneficiaries can access the benefits.

The set of decisions matters because it raises existing support for education, disability, special-child care and marriage assistance while adding schemes for mobility, special-school fees and medical needs.

The welfare measures apply to categories specified by the Committee, including ex-servicemen, widows, dependents, children of ex-servicemen, 100% disabled ex-servicemen, and eligible ex-servicemen or widows who are not receiving a pension.

Published - September 25, 2026 12:30 am IST.

Source: The Hindu