Telangana raises welfare grants for ex-servicemen, widows under Flag Day Fund
Telangana's Armed Forces Flag Day Fund committee has approved higher welfare grants and new assistance schemes for ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents.
Financial assistance for ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents in Telangana is set to rise, with the State Managing Committee of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund approving enhanced grants and a set of new welfare schemes.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the committee chaired by Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Lok Bhavan in Hyderabad on Thursday, September 24.
Higher existing grants
The education grant for children of ex-servicemen, covering Class 1 through degree level, has been raised from ₹10,000 to ₹17,000. Monthly financial assistance for ex-servicemen with 100% disability has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹18,000.
Assistance for children of ex-servicemen with special needs has also been revised upward. The monthly grant for those below 15 years rises from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000, while for those above 15 years it goes from ₹9,000 to ₹10,000. The marriage grant for daughters of ex-servicemen has been enhanced from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.
New schemes approved
Beyond the revisions, the committee cleared several new measures. Under a 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.
A separate scheme was approved for children of ex-servicemen with special needs studying in recognised special schools, under which 50% of the school fee will be reimbursed subject to eligibility. The committee also approved a medical grant of ₹1 lakh for eligible ex-servicemen or widows who are not receiving a pension, in line with prescribed guidelines.
Governor's directions
The Governor directed officials to reduce documentation requirements for beneficiaries and to ensure that financial assistance is transferred directly into their bank accounts wherever feasible. He also stressed the need for extensive awareness campaigns so that eligible beneficiaries know about the welfare schemes available to them and can access the benefits.