Pune: Maharashtra State Sainik Welfare Department has decided to grant monthly assistance of Rs 10,000 as immediate financial relief to families of soldiers who lay down their lives in the line of duty. The bereaved families will get this help until they start receiving a pension from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).The decision was taken after the department observed that families of these military personnel often face acute financial hardship in the months following the death. It is primarily due to delays in the disbursement of pensions and other central benefits.“The bereaved family receives the pension from the MoD after a few months. Till then, most families struggle to manage their daily household expenses and the capital required for agricultural activities. Considering this gap, we decided to provide Rs 10,000 as immediate relief every month until the pension starts,” Lt Col Satish Hange, deputy director (militarisation) of the state Sainik Welfare Department said.Officials added that the interim assistance is intended as a stopgap arrangement to ensure that families are not forced into debt or distress during the waiting period. In many cases, the fallen soldier is the sole breadwinner, and the sudden loss of income leaves families vulnerable, particularly in rural areas where farming expenses continue irrespective of personal tragedy.According to the department’s records, at least 20 armed forces personnel from various districts in Maharashtra attain martyrdom in the line of duty every year. The number underscores the recurring need for timely support mechanisms for families left behind.The state already extends several welfare measures to ex-servicemen and their dependants, including educational assistance, employment-related support, and one-time financial grants.However, officials acknowledged that the gap between a soldier’s death and the commencement of pension payments remained a critical concern that required immediate intervention.Making The Process Easier The new monthly relief will be disbursed through the Sainik Welfare Department’s district-level offices, ensuring quicker reach to beneficiariesThe department also indicated that efforts will be made to streamline the process so that families do not have to navigate complex procedures during a period of grief, officials said.The announcement was welcomed by veterans’ groups and organisations, which has for long highlighted the financial uncertainty faced by war widows and parents of fallen soldiers in the immediate aftermath of a tragedyIt is crucial help, and we urged the department to ensure that the assistance is released promptly and without procedural delaysHavildar Anil Godge (retd) This move reflects our commitment to standing by the families of soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, ensuring they are supported not only in words but through tangible assistance during their most difficult time,” Col Deepak Thonge (retd), director, Sainik Welfare Department
