The various issues of Ex-servicemen have been overlooked not only by the centre but even different state governments. The contentious issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP) was subsided after the Supreme Court’s intervention. The delay in paperwork had left thousands of ex-servicemen in limbo. Their woes are not only restricted to the pension but they have to cross a lot of hurdles for getting the jobs. Technically qualified, the men have retired from the armed forces, and are eligible for jobs in State government offices. But though they have cleared the various examinations including public service commission exams, they have not been offered placements. The reason, different departments have not found the time to iron out the issue regarding their qualifications.
As the issue of ex-servicemen keeps on coming to the fore, the state government has taken a decision to give some relief to their children. Education Concession to the Children of Ex-Servicemen, Maharashtra 2023-24 is an initiative of the state government’s Directorate of Higher Education, to provide financial aid to children of ex-servicemen pursuing higher education. The selected students will receive a 100 percent waiver of fees incurred on admission, semester exams, and library including the laboratory fees. The Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved a significant increase in funding for ex-servicemen welfare schemes, doubling the financial allocation to Rs33 crore to support nearly 2.7 lakh retired military personnel and their families across the state.
While taking this decision certain conditions have been laid down by the government. One of the prime conditions is that the applicants must be domiciled in Maharashtra. Among other conditions, the definition of relationship is described, the applicant must be a child, wife, or widow of an ex-serviceman. Applicants should be enrolled in a government or government-aided college within Maharashtra. As per the government’s order, the financial Support by the state is being underscored. The scholarship provides a significant financial relief by waiving all associated fees. With this the doors are open for higher education to all deserving students who may otherwise face financial barriers. Being awarded this scholarship is a recognition of academic merit and the sacrifices made by ex-servicemen and their families gets the recognition.
Apart from this the Maharashtra government has also decided that it will provide financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to self-help groups (SHGs) run by ex-servicemen. The state government official said that this decision was taken in the recent meeting of the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Board.
“Financial assistance for marriage of daughters of ex-servicemen has been increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Assistance up to Rs 2 lakh will be given to ex-servicemen, their widows for purchasing houses. Children of ex-servicemen or their widows Will be given Rs 1 lakh for education abroad,’’ the official further added.
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