Armed Forces Flag Day: Honouring Veterans and Ensuring Their Well-Being

Armed Forces Flag Day is an important occasion to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. It not only honours the bravery of active-duty personnel but also pays tribute to the veterans whose contributions continue to shape the nation’s future. Veterans are a cornerstone of India’s security and sovereignty, and their ongoing role in society, whether as mentors or leaders, remains vital.

These individuals, who once stood at the frontlines to protect the nation, continue to inspire through their values of duty, discipline, and sacrifice. Even after leaving active service, veterans remain a significant part of India’s national fabric. In recognition of their contributions, the Indian Army, in partnership with the Government of India, has launched several initiatives to support veterans, their families, and the widows of fallen soldiers, known as Veernaris.

Key Support Programs for Veterans and Their Families

The Indian Army has put several measures in place to ensure that veterans and their families have the necessary resources and support after their service. These efforts aim to address a wide range of needs, from financial assistance to social welfare and skill development.

Nationwide Outreach Programs

From July 2022 to March 2024, the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) organized outreach initiatives at 210 locations across the country. These programs focused on resolving pension-related issues and ensuring that veterans and widows were able to access the benefits they are entitled to. In addition to resolving individual grievances, guides detailing available welfare schemes were distributed to Veernaris and Next of Kin (NoKs), helping them understand the various support options available to them.

 Digital Solutions for Grievance Resolution

In 2024, the Indian Army introduced SAMBANDH, a WhatsApp-based chatbot, to provide a faster and more accessible way to resolve issues faced by veterans. This platform has already helped address over 1,700 grievances in less than a year. Furthermore, the Veerangana & Veterans Sewa Kendra (VSK+), launched in November 2022, has handled over 389,000 calls, resolving queries and providing necessary assistance to veterans and their families.

Financial Assistance for Families

The Indian Army has committed significant resources to support veterans and their families financially. From April 2022 to March 2024, Rs 121.06 crores were distributed in welfare grants, including Rs 80.57 crores in ex-gratia payments to the families of soldiers who died in the line of duty. An additional Rs 32.35 crores in education grants helped over 20,000 children of veterans and Veernaris continue their studies.

Skill Development for Women

The Indian Army’s Nari Sashaktikaran initiative focuses on empowering women, including the widows of fallen soldiers. Between September 2023 and March 2024, over 3,200 women, including 23 widows, were trained in various job skills, enhancing their potential for economic independence. Today, nearly 3,000 women are enrolled in ongoing skill development courses, providing them with valuable tools to support their families and contribute to the community.

Project NAMAN: Improving Access to Pension Services

Launched in August 2024, Project NAMAN seeks to simplify access to pension services for veterans. By establishing SPARSH-enabled facilitation centers, the project provides essential services such as life certificate submissions and pension disbursements. The initial 14 centers will expand to 100 by 2026, ensuring that veterans and their families have better access to the services they need.

Veterans: A National Asset

Veterans are more than just a source of pride for the Indian Armed Forces—they are a source of strength for the nation. Their resilience, leadership, and commitment to service continue to influence and inspire future generations. In recognition of their ongoing importance, the Indian Army has rolled out programs that address not only the immediate needs of veterans but also their long-term welfare.

Training sessions for Army personnel, launched in 2024, help staff understand the complexities of veterans’ needs and ensure they can guide veterans and their families through various welfare schemes and documentation procedures. This effort ensures that veterans receive the full range of support available to them, from pensions to educational grants.

A Duty to Honor and Support Veterans

On Armed Forces Flag Day, it is essential to acknowledge the sacrifices of veterans and to ensure that they continue to receive the respect and care they deserve. The Indian Army has developed a comprehensive system of support, with initiatives like Project NAMAN, skill development programs, and accessible grievance redressal channels, all of which ensure that veterans and their families are not forgotten.

This Armed Forces Flag Day, the nation reaffirms its responsibility to support veterans and their families. Through the continued implementation of welfare initiatives, the Indian Army is ensuring that the legacy of these heroes endures, inspiring future generations. Their sacrifices have secured India’s safety and sovereignty, and as a nation, it is our duty to ensure their well-being long after their service has ended.