Chandigarh, March 30, 2026:The 35th meeting of the Punjab Rajya Sainik Board was held today at Punjab Lok Bhawan under the chairmanship of Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab.

Addressing the meeting, the Governor reviewed various welfare schemes being implemented by the Defence Services Welfare Department and the Punjab Rajya Sainik Board for the benefit of families of martyrs, ex-servicemen (ESM), widows, and their dependents. He emphasized the need for effective and seamless delivery of these schemes to ensure comprehensive support to beneficiaries.

After detailed deliberations, the Board ratified the agenda points approved during its previous meeting held on March 7, 2025. The Board also approved several new welfare initiatives to be funded through the Flag Day Fund for the financial year 2026–27. These include:

Additional Funeral Grant of ₹10,000 for the families of deceased ex-servicemen

Sustenance Allowance for the Next of Kin of Agniveers who die while in service

Special Scholarship Scheme from the Punjab Amalgamated Fund for meritorious wards of ex-servicemen to encourage academic excellence.

The Board further approved the budget allocations required for the implementation of these schemes for the financial years 2025–26 and 2026–27.

During the meeting, the Governor issued directions to intensify efforts towards the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows, and their families. He stated that Punjab’s brave soldiers have always remained at the forefront in safeguarding the nation’s borders, making immense sacrifices in the line of duty. He stressed that it is the collective responsibility of society and the government to ensure that their families are treated with utmost respect and do not face any hardship.

The Governor also laid special emphasis on promoting educational support for children of martyrs and strengthening women empowerment initiatives for Veer Naris.

The meeting was attended by Mohinder Bhagat, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Defence Services Welfare; Sh. J.M. Balamurugan, Additional Chief Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Punjab; Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.), Director, Defence Services Welfare Punjab; along with senior officers from Headquarters Western Command, Kendriya Sainik Board, and other members of the Punjab Rajya Sainik Board.