Understanding the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB): Supporting Ex-Servicemen and Their Families

The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) plays a crucial role in supporting the welfare of ex-servicemen, their families, and dependents in India. As the apex body under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, KSB is dedicated to ensuring that those who have served the nation in the Armed Forces are well-cared for in their post-service lives. This blog explores the functions, initiatives, and services provided by the KSB.

Overview of Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB)

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the KSB is to formulate and implement policies for the welfare and resettlement of ex-servicemen and their dependents. The board aims to ensure a dignified life for ex-servicemen and provide them with opportunities for a seamless transition to civilian life.

Historical Background

In a Government resolution dated 07 Sep 1919, The Government of India suspended the functioning of the Central Recruiting Board and at its place a new Board was established called the Indian Soldiers’ Board to advise on matters affecting the interest of serving, discharged and deceased Indian Soldiers and non combatants & their dependents. Due to steady expansion of the Navy and Air Force during the Second World War, the need for a single organization to perform the same functions in relation to all the three services was felt and the Board was consequently reconstituted in 1944. In March 1951, it was renamed as the Indian Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen Board. The designation of the Board was changed to the Kendriya Sainik Board at the Centre and Rajya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Board at State and district level in 1975. KSB Secretariat functions under Dept of Ex-servicemen Welfare in the Ministry of Defence vide GoI Notification No. 1, No. 10(02)/I/D (Res.)/2007 dated 29 Jan 2009. Though welfare of the Ex-Servicemen and their dependents is the joint responsibility of the Centre and the States / UTs, majority of the problems have to be resolved only by the States / UTs. Like the Kendriya Sainik Board at the Centre, the Rajya / Zila Sainik Boards are responsible for policy formulation and implementation of resettlement and welfare schemes for Ex-Servicemen, widows and their dependents residing in their respective States / UTs / Districts. There are 34 Rajya Sainik Boards and 413 Zila Sainik Boards in the country. The KSB Secretariat advises the Department of Sainik Welfare in the States / UTs on various matters pertaining to the welfare of Ex-Servicemen, widows, disabled soldiers and their wards. Advice is also rendered on various welfare schemes and their management from funds allotted by the Governments of States / UTs and the Amalgamated Special Funds.

Key Functions of KSB

Policy Formulation and Implementation

KSB is responsible for:

Formulating Welfare Policies: Creating policies aimed at improving the welfare and resettlement of ex-servicemen.
Coordinating Welfare Activities: Ensuring effective implementation of these policies through coordination with State Sainik Boards and other agencies.

Financial Assistance Programs

KSB administers several financial assistance schemes to support ex-servicemen and their families, including:

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS): Provides scholarships to children of ex-servicemen for higher education.
Financial Grants: Assistance for medical treatment, marriage, and funeral expenses.
Educational Grants: Financial support for education to wards of ex-servicemen.

Employment Assistance

KSB assists ex-servicemen in finding suitable employment by:

Job Fairs and Placement Assistance: Organizing job fairs and providing placement assistance to facilitate employment opportunities.
Vocational Training Programs: Offering vocational training to enhance employability in various sectors.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement

KSB focuses on the rehabilitation and resettlement of disabled ex-servicemen through:

Resettlement Training Programs: Providing training programs to equip ex-servicemen with skills for new careers.
Assistance for Self-Employment: Helping ex-servicemen start their own businesses through financial assistance and guidance.

Healthcare Support

KSB ensures healthcare support through schemes like:

ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme): Providing comprehensive healthcare services to ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Medical Grants: Financial assistance for medical treatment not covered under ECHS.

Organizational Structure of KSB

Central Organization

KSB operates under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. It is headed by the Secretary, KSB, who is responsible for overseeing the board’s activities and ensuring the implementation of welfare schemes.

State Sainik Boards and Zila Sainik Boards

KSB works in conjunction with State Sainik Boards (SSBs) and Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) to reach ex-servicemen at the grassroots level. These boards are instrumental in:

Implementing Welfare Schemes: Ensuring the effective implementation of welfare schemes at the state and district levels.
Providing Local Assistance: Offering local assistance and addressing the immediate needs of ex-servicemen and their families.

Key Initiatives and Schemes

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)

One of the flagship programs under KSB, PMSS aims to support the education of wards of ex-servicemen by providing scholarships for professional degree courses. This initiative ensures that the children of those who have served the nation have access to quality education.

Marriage Grant

KSB provides financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of ex-servicemen, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder important life events.

Medical and Disability Grants

To support the health and well-being of ex-servicemen, KSB offers medical grants for treatments not covered under ECHS and disability grants for those who have sustained disabilities in the line of duty.

Vocational Training and Employment

KSB’s vocational training programs and employment assistance initiatives are designed to help ex-servicemen transition smoothly into civilian careers. The board organizes job fairs, collaborates with industries, and provides training to enhance the employability of ex-servicemen.

How to Avail KSB Services

Registration (https://online.ksb.gov.in/)

Ex-servicemen can register with their respective Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) by providing necessary documents, including discharge papers, pension payment orders, and proof of identity.

Application Process

Applications for various schemes and assistance programs can be submitted through ZSBs, which will process the applications and forward them to the State Sainik Boards (SSBs) and KSB for approval.

Online Services

KSB has also embraced digital platforms to provide online services and information. Ex-servicemen can access various forms, guidelines, and updates on the official KSB website https://online.ksb.gov.in/ .

Conclusion

The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) stands as a pillar of support for ex-servicemen and their families, ensuring that those who have dedicated their lives to the nation are well-cared for in their post-service lives. Through comprehensive welfare schemes, financial assistance, healthcare support, and employment initiatives, KSB is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our retired Armed Forces personnel. For more information and to access these services, visit the official KSB website or contact your local Zila Sainik Board.