Financial aid scheme for widows of Ex-Servicemen, offering vocational training and a one-time assistance of ₹ 20,000 upon completion.

RMEWF: Financial assistance for widows of ESM. The objective of this program is to offer financial aid to widows of Ex-Servicemen, helping them establish stability in their lives by providing vocational training.

Based on their educational background and abilities, individuals have the option to pursue the necessary vocational training. This training can be undertaken at recognised institutions such as those operated by the Rajya Sainik Board/Zonal Sainik Board, state-run institutes like ITI, or reputable private training institutions like NIIT.

Benefits of RMEWF

Widows of Ex-Servicemen receive a one-time financial assistance of up to ₹ 20,000 upon completing vocational training.

Application Process

Online

1. Visit the official website of Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariat (KSBS) at https://ksb.gov.in/.
2. Click on the ‘Register’ button on the homepage.
3. Fill out the displayed registration form with necessary details.
4. Upload a photo.
5. Save the application by clicking on the ‘Save’ button, and the saved details and password will be sent to the registered email.
6. Click on the activation link received in the email to log in to the KSB portal.
7. Provide username, password, and verification code, then click on the ‘Login’ button.
8. Select the scheme name and fill out the new application form with the required information.
9. Upload copies of the supporting documents attested by the respective Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO) with the online application.
10. After submission, the ZSWO will review the online applications and schedule an appointment for verification.
11. Upon successful verification, the ZSWO will recommend the online application and forward both the hard copy and soft copy to Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) through Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs) for further processing.

Background

When a widow loses her husband due to unfortunate circumstances like accidents or natural causes, she often finds herself neglected and facing financial challenges. In such situations, it becomes the responsibility of organisations to step in and offer assistance to the widow by providing vocational training opportunities. By acquiring vocational skills, widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) can become self-reliant and fulfil their financial needs. Depending on their educational background and abilities, they have the option to pursue the necessary vocational training. These courses can be undertaken at recognised vocational training institutions, including those operated by RSB/ZSB or state-run institutes like ITI, as well as reputable private training institutions like NIIT. The scheme, which was initiated in May 2007, aims to provide financial assistance to ESM widows through a one-time grant of ₹ 20,000. Its primary goal is to empower these widows and support them in rebuilding their lives.

Aim

The objective of this free aid is to offer Financial Training for Widows of ESM, enabling them to establish stability in life through vocational training.

Financial Assistance for Widows of ESM

Upon successfully completing the vocational training, a one-time aid of up to ₹ 20,000/- is provided from the AFFDF for vocational training purposes.

Eligibility Conditions of RMEWF

The eligibility conditions include:

1. The applicant must be a widow of an Ex-Serviceman (ESM) with a rank up to Havildar or its equivalent.
2. The service book should have relevant entries regarding the spouse of the ESM.
3. Successful completion of the required vocational training is necessary.
4. Recommendation from the respective Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) and Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) is required.

RMEWF Application

To apply, please use the provided application format and ensure it is endorsed by the respective ZSWO. You can find a sample application form in Annexure 1. Make sure to include the following documents, which should be attested by the ZSWO:

(a) Service Discharge Certificate/Book (complete copy)

(b) Widow I-Card (copy)

(c) Certificate from the institute confirming completion of training

(d) Certificate from the ZSWO verifying gainful employment of the widow after vocational training

(e) Provide details of your bank account number (PNB/SBI only) and IFS Code.

Channel of Application

Eligible widows are required to submit their applications at the respective ZSB. The ZSWO will carefully review the applications and, if found to be complete and accurate, will send them (both in hard copy and digital format) along with other applications on an annual basis, specifically in the month of July, directly to the KSB Sectt for payment processing. Please note that no consideration will be given to old cases.

Processing at KSB Secretariat

After the application reaches the Kendriya Sainik Board, it is verified by the Section-in-charge who then uploads the printed list for approval by the JD (Welfare). Once approved, these applications are collectively submitted for sanction by the competent authority, preferably on a quarterly basis.

Payment Procedure of RMEWF

1. Once the submitted application has received approval, it undergoes payment processing by the Welfare department.
2. The Welfare department verifies the service number, name, bank details (including IFS Code and account number).
3. The batch list, containing the verified applications, is forwarded by the Welfare department to the Accounts Section for payment.
4. The payment is made directly through the Electronic Clearing System (ECS) by the Accounts Section.

Track Application Status

1. Revisit the portal at https://ksb.gov.in/index.htm
2. Click on the ‘Status of application’ link on the portal’s homepage
3. Enter your DAK ID and verification code
4. Click the ‘Search’ button to proceed with the search

Documents Required for RMEWF

The application should be accompanied by copies of the following documents, which must be attested by the ZSWO:

1. Full Service Discharge Certificate/Book
2. Widow I-Card (copy)
3. Certificate from the institute upon completion of training
4. Certificate from the ZSWO confirming gainful employment of the widow after vocational training
5. Bank account details (PNB/SBI only), including the account number and IFS Code.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is given to the widows of ex-servicemen under the welfare scheme?

Under the welfare scheme for ex-servicemen, the widows of ex-servicemen are entitled to a pension. The amount of pension depends on various factors such as the rank of the ex-serviceman, the length of his service, and the cause of his death. The pension amount is revised periodically by the government. As of October 2023, the minimum pension for a widow of an ex-serviceman is Rs. 4000 per month.

What are the benefits of ex-servicemen when someone dies?

When an ex-serviceman dies, his family members are entitled to various benefits under the welfare scheme for ex-servicemen. These benefits include a pension for the widow, financial assistance for the education of children, and a lump sum grant for the funeral expenses. The amount of these benefits depends on various factors.

What is financial assistance for education of children widows of ex-servicemen?

Under the welfare scheme for ex-servicemen, the children of ex-servicemen are entitled to financial assistance for their education. The amount of financial assistance depends on various factors. As of October 2023, the maximum amount of financial assistance for the education of children of ex-servicemen is Rs.1000/- per month per head for the previous academic year. Payable in one instalment in a financial year.

What benefits do army widows get in India?

Army widows in India are entitled to various benefits under the welfare scheme for ex-servicemen such as pension, assistance for re-marriage, assistance for education, funding for vocational training and so on. The pecuniary value of these benefits depends on various factors such as the rank of the ex-serviceman, the length of his service and the cause of his death