The RMEWF – Financial Assistance for Education of Children & Widows of Ex-Servicemen is a scheme by the Ministry of Defence. It provides financial aid to dependent children of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) for school and undergraduate education and to widows of ESM for postgraduate studies. The scheme applies to ESM of ranks Havildar and below from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who are not receiving similar benefits from the State or their employer.
Benefits
- ₹1,000 per month per child (maximum of two children) for the previous academic year, paid in a single installment per financial year.
- ₹1,000 per month for widows of ESM pursuing a two-year postgraduate degree.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be an Ex-Serviceman (ESM), widow, or orphan dependent.
- The ESM must be of rank Havildar/equivalent or below.
- The scheme applies to students in classes 1 to 12 and undergraduate degree courses.
- Widows of ESM are eligible for financial assistance for a two-year postgraduate degree.
- The applicant must not be receiving any other education grant or allowance from the state or employer.
- Financial assistance is limited to two children. However:
- If the 1st and 2nd children are twins, both are eligible.
- If the 2nd and 3rd children are twins, all three are eligible.
- If a child passes away, the 3rd child (if any) will be eligible. (Death certificate required.)
Exclusions
- The scheme does not cover professional or technical courses/degrees.
Application Process
Online Application:
- Visit the Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariat website: https://ksb.gov.in
- Click on “Register” on the homepage.
- Fill out the registration form and upload a passport-sized photo.
- Click “Save” to store the details. A confirmation email with a password will be sent.
- Click the activation link in the email to log in to the KSB portal.
- Enter your username, password, and verification code to log in.
- Select the scheme name and start a new application.
- Upload all required documents, duly attested by the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO).
- Once submitted, the ZSWO will verify the application and schedule an appointment for further verification.
- After successful verification, ZSWO forwards the application (hard copy & soft copy) to Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) via Rajya Sainik Boards (RSB).
Processing at KSB Secretariat
- The KSB Secretariat verifies applications and uploads them for approval.
- Approved applications are sanctioned in quarterly batches.
Payment Procedure
- Payments are processed in batches of 200 applications.
- After verifying details such as service number, name, bank details (PNB/SBI), and IFS Code, the Accounts Section processes the grant via Electronic Clearing System (ECS).
Subsequent Grants
- A fresh application must be submitted every academic year for continued financial assistance.
- Applications must be submitted in May each year.
- ZSB forwards applications online to KSB Secretariat for approval in the current financial year.
Track Application Status
- Visit: https://ksb.gov.in
- Click on “Status of Application” on the homepage.
- Enter your DAK ID and verification code.
- Click “Search” to check the application status.
Documents Required
- Service Document/Discharge Book (containing ESM’s personal, service, and family details).
- ESM or Widow I-Card issued by ZSB.
- Marksheet/School Progress Card of the child/children.
- Part-II Order mentioning the child’s name or a valid entry in the Discharge Book.
- Declaration certificate confirming no other educational allowance is received.
- Bank Account Details (PNB/SBI only) with IFS Code.
- Aadhaar Card copy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How to renew the scholarship for the second year?
A fresh application must be submitted every year through ZSB in May.
Q: Can I get my tuition fee reimbursed under this scheme?
No, this scheme only provides a fixed financial grant.
Q: Can I provide bank details of any bank?
No, only PNB (Punjab National Bank) or SBI (State Bank of India) accounts are accepted.
Q: Can I apply for this scheme if I am receiving another scholarship?
No, applicants must not receive any other education allowance or grant.
Q: Do I need to submit a hard copy of the application to the Zonal Sainik Board (ZSB)?
Yes, after submitting the online application, a hard copy must be verified at ZSB.
Q: Can a daughter of an Ex-Serviceman studying in college apply for this scheme?
Yes, daughters of ESM are eligible for the scheme if they meet the criteria.
Q: When can I apply for this scheme?
Applications must be submitted in May every year for that financial year.
Sources & References
- Official Website: https://ksb.gov.in
- Scheme Guidelines