Rajesh Kumar Singh IAS given additional charge as Secretary- Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh IAS (Kerala 1989) presently Secretary- Department of Defence has been given the additional charge of the post of Secretary- Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare from 26.07.2026 to 11.08.2026 during the period of absence on leave of Ms. Sukriti Likhi IAS (Haryana 1993).
Significance of Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
The Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, heads the department responsible for formulating and implementing policies and welfare measures for ex-servicemen, war widows, dependents and other beneficiaries associated with the armed forces community. The position carries significant administrative importance as it oversees a wide-ranging framework designed to support defence personnel after retirement and provide assistance to their families.
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare has a broad mandate covering pension policy, resettlement, rehabilitation, healthcare and welfare support. The Secretary provides overall leadership and policy direction to the department while coordinating with various organisations and institutions involved in veterans’ welfare. The department works through important bodies and schemes, including the Directorate General of Resettlement, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme and the Kendriya Sainik Board.
A key responsibility of the department is to address pension-related matters affecting ex-servicemen and family pensioners. This includes policy formulation, pension revision and the resolution of grievances relating to the delivery of benefits. Given the large ex-servicemen population spread across the country, ensuring efficient and transparent implementation of pension and welfare measures remains a major administrative priority.
The department also plays a central role in the resettlement and rehabilitation of retired defence personnel. Through various initiatives, it supports employment, self-employment and other opportunities for ex-servicemen transitioning into civilian life. These efforts seek to utilise the skills, discipline, experience and leadership qualities acquired during military service, enabling veterans to continue contributing to the economy and society.
Healthcare is another major pillar of the welfare framework. Through the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, eligible veterans and their dependents receive access to medical services. The department is responsible for overseeing policy and administrative measures aimed at improving the reach, quality and efficiency of healthcare facilities available to the beneficiary community.
The welfare responsibilities of the department extend beyond pensions and medical care. Various schemes provide financial assistance to ex-servicemen, war widows and dependents, while support is also extended for education, marriage and other important needs. The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund serves as another important mechanism for supporting welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen and their families.
The department also focuses on improving the delivery of welfare services through administrative reforms and digital platforms. With beneficiaries located across urban, rural and remote areas, efficient grievance redressal and accessible service delivery are essential to ensuring that welfare measures reach those entitled to them. The use of technology and streamlined administrative processes has therefore become increasingly important in strengthening the veterans’ welfare ecosystem.
The role of the Secretary involves extensive coordination with the Ministry of Defence, other government departments, state governments and organisations working in the field of ex-servicemen welfare. Effective policy implementation, monitoring of schemes and timely resolution of grievances remain central to the department’s functioning.
The position has assumed greater significance as the government continues to strengthen support systems for veterans and their families. Changing healthcare needs, pension-related requirements, resettlement challenges and the increasing demand for responsive public services require continuous policy attention and administrative innovation.
As the senior administrative head of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, the Secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring that government policies are translated into effective and accessible welfare services. The department serves as an important institutional bridge between the government and the ex-servicemen community, working to uphold the welfare and dignity of those who have served the nation and to provide continued support to their families.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh the very best.