DH NEWS SERVICE
Rajouri, july 22
In a significant initiative aimed at supporting the families of those who served the nation, the Indian Army organised a comprehensive Ex-Servicemen Widows Conclave at Budhwal, Rajouri on 19th June 2025. The event, conducted under the aegis of the LaukiKhad Battalion, brought together over 49 widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM), reaffirming the Army’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of its veteran community and their families.
The primary objective of the conclave was to provide vital information regarding various welfare schemes and service benefits available to the widows of Ex-Servicemen. The session aimed to bridge the gap between the beneficiaries and the policies framed for their support by enhancing awareness and facilitating access to entitlements. The event witnessed active participation and positive engagement from the attendees, most of whom appreciated the platform provided to them for open communication and guidance.
One of the main highlights of the conclave was a detailed briefing on the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) – a crucial support system that provides comprehensive healthcare services to veterans and their dependents. The widows were explained the process of registration, the scope of coverage, and the way to avail facilities through ECHS polyclinics and empanelled hospitals. Special attention was paid to address common issues and procedural hurdles faced by the dependents while accessing healthcare services. In addition to ECHS, the conclave also introduced the participants to the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha) portal, a modern digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Defence. SPARSH aims to simplify pension-related services and ensures direct, transparent, and timely disbursal of pension benefits. The widows were guided on how to use the portal for pension verification, grievance redressal, and updating personal details. Practical demonstrations and handholding support were also provided to those unfamiliar with digital processes.
The event further included discussions on several new and existing welfare schemes tailored for the dependents of Ex-Servicemen. These included financial assistance programs, educational scholarships for children, job reservation benefits, and housing schemes. The Army officers and welfare officials on site made it a priority to ensure that every participant was informed about the entitlements and the procedure to avail them.
A dedicated grievance redressal cell was also established at the venue where widows could present their concerns and unresolved issues. Each case was recorded and attended to with utmost seriousness. In several instances, immediate assistance was offered, while others were escalated for further follow-up. This prompt and compassionate approach was deeply appreciated by the attendees, who expressed a sense of reassurance and belonging.
The conclave at Budhwal underscored the Indian Army’s holistic approach to veteran welfare, going beyond the call of duty to ensure that the sacrifices of soldiers continue to be honoured through care for their families. By empowering widows with knowledge, resolving their concerns, and building a support system around them, the Army continues to uphold its values of service, respect, and responsibility even after active duty ends.
