Haryana Govt Announces Monthly Scholarship for Children of Martyrs, Battle Casualties

Chandigarh: In a first-of-its-kind welfare initiative, the Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana government has announced a monthly scholarship scheme providing financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 to the children of martyrs and battle or operational casualties from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

The scheme, titled Haryana Scholarship for Children of Battle/Operational Casualty Policy, 2025, has been notified by the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department. It aims to ensure uninterrupted education for children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

Under the policy, students studying from Class VI to Class XII will receive Rs 60,000 per year, graduate-level students Rs 72,000 annually, and post-graduate students Rs 96,000 per year. The financial assistance will be provided irrespective of whether other members of the martyr’s family are employed.

The policy defines battle or operational casualty as the death of defence or paramilitary personnel while performing bona fide official duties in operational areas. These include wars, counter-terror operations, IED blasts, border skirmishes, internal security duties, United Nations peacekeeping missions, air or sea accidents, natural calamities, and rescue operations requiring exceptional courage.

A key eligibility condition is that the deceased personnel must have been a Haryana domicile at the time of entry into service. In cases where the address at joining was temporary due to transferable postings, domicile status will be determined based on the permanent address of the employee’s father.

The scheme covers all Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defence, including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard. CAPFs under the Ministry of Home Affairs—such as the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, Assam Rifles, NSG and SSB—are also included.

The government said the initiative reflects its commitment to honouring the sacrifices of soldiers and paramilitary personnel by investing in the future of their children through sustained educational support.