Pension for Veterans from the Armed Forces โ 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 veteransโ 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 โPENSION FOR VETERANSโ.
(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: โ
(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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COMMENTS
I am getting pension for 21years of service whereas I have served for 21years6months&11 days.I would like to know how many years of my service counted
I smt Dhanuli Devi widow of late Regt Hav Lachman Singh drawing defence family pension from PNB Mahakaleshwar Almora UK. I request to PCDA Allahabad and CGDA to intimate the Basis pension and others benefit to check whether my pension is an order as per rule. But neither PCDA nor CGDA reply received in this regard. Please issue necessary instruction as deemed fit at an early date. My Sparsh PPO No is 220198600820 Regt No 11541.
The govt has not implemented one rank one pension with due modification in the revised rank structure in relation to length of service and revised ranks in true spirit and letter. They have also denied true pension based on principle of NFU ( non functional upgrade as implemented in all other services of GOI . Thus, lot disparity and denial of doe pensions particularly to war veterans of of 1962 , 1965 and 1971 wars. Great denials of due pensions to pre 1996 retirees pensioners since 1986 . Pensions have been gradually reduced.The increases given due to inflation & increase in cost of living ( DA revisions)are not rdal time increases.
My pension was decided Rs 89300 on 01 Jul 2019. Now asper orop policy revision is done every 5 year to give increment to veterans. As such on 01 Jul 2024 pension is fixed as Rs.89200. As such insted of any substansial increse it has been reduced by Rs.100. How can it be done ?