Cash Incentive to Wards of ESM 2025: Academic Scholarship for Children of Ex-Servicemen in Puducherry

The Cash Incentive to Wards of ESM (Academic Scholarship) 2025 is a welfare scheme initiated by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund under the Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry. This scheme provides monthly cash assistance to academically meritorious wards of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and widows of ESM, who are pursuing higher education in recognized institutions.

The objective is to support and motivate children of defense personnel to achieve academic excellence by offering a financial incentive of ₹1,000 per month.

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• Launched by: Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry
• Target Group: Wards of Ex-Servicemen / Widows of Ex-Servicemen
• Monthly Scholarship: ₹1,000
• Course Coverage: Higher education (professional and non-professional)
• Mode of Application: Offline
• Last Date to Apply: Within 3 months of publication of exam results

Benefits

• Monthly Cash Incentive of ₹1,000 to eligible students
• Encouragement for high-performing students from ESM families
• One-time submission process valid for one academic year

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be the ward of an Ex-Serviceman (ESM) or the widow of an ESM
• Must be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry
• Must be pursuing higher education (college/university/technical institute)
• Must not be receiving any other academic scholarship

Minimum Academic Performance:

Exclusions

• Students receiving other scholarships are not eligible
• Applications submitted after 3 months of the result declaration will be rejected
• Wards not registered with DSW Puducherry must first complete registration

Application Process (Offline)

Steps to Apply:

1. Download the Application Form

   • Obtain the prescribed form from the official website or the DSW office

2. Fill and Attach Documents

   • Complete all fields in the form

   • Paste a passport-size photograph and self-attest the required documents

3. Submit the Application

   • Send the application to the following address:

4. Get Acknowledgement

   • Obtain a receipt/acknowledgment slip from the office as confirmation

Documents Required

• Identity card of the ESM / Widow of ESM
• Discharge Certificate of ESM
• Birth Certificate of the applicant (if not already registered)
• Bonafide Certificate / Study Certificate from the current institution
• Marksheets / Certificates (attested)
• First page of bank passbook (with name, IFSC, account number)
• Declaration Form signed by ESM/Widow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which Department of the UT of Puducherry administers this scheme?
  The scheme is administered by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry.
• Where can I find the URL of the Official Website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry?
  The URL of the Official Website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry is: https://sainik.py.gov.in/.
• Where can I find the contact details of the Public Information Officer?
  Public Information Officer: Shri. Sandirakumaran.S, Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, 261, Pakkamudiyanpet, Lawspet, Puducherry – 605 008, +91-413-2250575 / +91-413-2253107, [email protected], [email protected]
• Where can I find the contact details of the Appellate Authority?
  Appellate Authority: Shri. S.D. Sundaresan, I.A.S., Secretary to Govt. (Sainik Welfare), Chief Secretariat, Puducherry – 605001, 0413-2349712, [email protected]
• Are Short Service/Emergency commissioned Officers eligible for the status of ex-servicemen?
  Yes, if released on completion of the specific period of engagement and were given gratuity at the time of release.
• What is the procedure for seeking information through the “Right To Information (RTI)”?
  The required information may be asked through an application along with IPO/DD for a sum of ₹10/- in favour of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. For more details, visit: https://sainik.py.gov.in/right-to-information.
• What is the definition of “Ex-Servicemen” for this scheme?
  The definition of “Ex-Servicemen” can be accessed through the following URL: https://sainik.py.gov.in/definition-ex-servicemen.
• Where can I find detailed guidelines for the welfare schemes provided by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund of the Department of Sainik Welfare?
  For detailed guidelines, you can refer to the official document available at the following URL: https://sainik.py.gov.in/assistance-affd-fund.
• Where can I get the application forms for the welfare schemes provided by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund of the Department of Sainik Welfare?
  The application forms can be accessed through the following URL: https://sainik.py.gov.in/application-forms.
• Is there any relaxation in the income criteria for eligibility under certain circumstances?
  Thereares no income-related eligibility criteria for this scheme.
• Is There Any Compensation For The Delay In The Disbursal Of The Scheme Benefits?
  The guidelines do not mention any provision for compensation in the event of delayed disbursement of scheme benefits. Applicants should note that compensation for delays is not part of the scheme’s framework.
• How can I contact the Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducher,ry for grievance redressal/ general queries?
  Ycan ou contact the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry at (+91)(0413) 2253107, [email protected], Monday to Friday, between 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM.

Contact Details (Grievance/Queries)

Address:
Department of Sainik Welfare,
261, Lawspet Main Road,
Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry – 605013

Phone: (+91) 0413-2253107
Email: [email protected]
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Sources and References