Pension for Veterans from the Armed Forces – Periodic Increase in Pension and endeavour of well being of Veterans

Pension for Veterans from the Armed Forces – Periodic Increase in Pension and endeavour of well being of Veterans. On March 10, 2025, a starred question in the Rajya Sabha by Smt. Sagarika Ghose addressed veterans’ pensions in West Bengal. The Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, responded that 100,285 veterans receive pensions through the SPARSH database. While pension fund allocation is centrally managed, the government reviews pensions based on Pay Commission recommendations and periodically assesses Dearness Relief. The One Rank One Pension scheme was implemented in 2014 to equalize pensions over time. The government supports veterans through monthly pensions, resettlement assistance, welfare schemes, and healthcare services via the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE
RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 107

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10th March, 2025

PENSION FOR VETERANS

107 SMT. SAGARIKA GHOSE:

Will the Minister of Defence be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of veterans from the Armed Forces who are receiving pensions from Government in the State of West Bengal;

(b) the total amount of pension fund allocated to these veterans from the State of West Bengal during the last three years;

(c) whether Government plans to increase pension for veterans;

(d) if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps taken by Government to ensure well being of veterans?

A N S W E R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 107 FOR ANSWER ON 10.03.2025 REGARDING “PENSION FOR VETERANS”.

(a): As per records maintained on the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration (Raksha)) database, the total number of veterans from the Armed Forces who are receiving pensions in bank branches based in the State of West Bengal are 100285.

(b): The allocation of pension funds is done centrally and is not maintained state-wise.

(c) & (d): Review of basic pension is carried out based on recommendations of Pay Commissions and acceptance of the same by the Government. A Dearness Relief, which is assessed periodically, may result in increase in amount disbursed. Additionally, with effect from 01.07.2014, the Government has launched the One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme for Ex-Servicemen, that seeks to bridge the gap between the rates of pension of current and past pensioners at periodic intervals.

(e): The Government takes care of the well being of Veterans in the following ways: –

(i) Disbursing a monthly pension, as due.
(ii) Facilitating resettlement through Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR).
(iii) Facilitating welfare schemes through Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) which includes Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs) and Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs).
(iv) Extending health care facilities through Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

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