Book Allowance to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows

Book Allowance to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows is a welfare scheme by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. It gives financial support to wards of ex-servicemen and widows for buying study books. The scheme is managed under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund and helps students studying in government-recognized institutions across the Union Territory of Puducherry.

For the 2025-2026 academic year the department has revised the allowance amounts and released a fresh application notice. Eligible families can apply offline within three months of finishing their education term. The official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, carries the latest forms and updates.

Book Allowance to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows - Introduction

Book Allowance to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows is a supportive scheme run by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, with funds from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. It eases the money burden on families of ex-servicemen by paying a fixed allowance for buying essential study books. Applications are accepted offline, and the payment is credited directly to the bank account of the beneficiary.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme provides a yearly book allowance based on the level of education. The amounts were revised for the 2025-2026 academic year and are higher than the earlier rates. The Management Committee processes the payment, and the money is transferred to the bank account of the ward through RTGS or NEFT.

*Note: The beneficiary receives the actual fee amount or the maximum limit listed above, whichever is lower.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, the following conditions should be met:

• The applicant should be a ward of an unemployed ex-serviceman or a ward of an ex-serviceman's widow.
• The applicant should be officially registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
• The applicant should be studying at a government-recognized institution.
• The benefit is capped at two wards per eligible family.

Exclusions

Please note that a ward is not eligible if any of the following applies:

• The ward is repeating the same class.
• The ward already receives an academic scholarship from another source.
• The ward is currently claiming tuition fee reimbursement through a different scheme or organization.

Application Process

To apply for this book allowance, follow these steps.

STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application form from the official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. The common application form covers tuition fee, book and uniform allowances.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the required fields, attach a recent passport-sized photograph and keep all self-attested documents ready.

STEP 3 - Submit the signed application along with the attachments to the Rajya Sainik Board, Jawan Bhawan, Department of Sainik Welfare, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry - 605013.

STEP 4 - Collect an acknowledgment receipt from the office when the application is handed in. This receipt serves as proof of submission.

For the 2025-2026 academic year the last date of submission of the application was 30 July 2026. For any help, contact the office at (+91) 0413 2253107 or email dirdsw.pon@nic.in between 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Documents

Prepare copies of the following documents before submitting the application:

• Identity card of the ex-serviceman or the widow.
• Discharge certificate of the ex-serviceman.
• Proof confirming successful completion of the academic course.
• A special certificate from the institute if studying under 'Management Quota'.
• Original receipt of fees paid.
• A detailed fee breakdown from the institution's head if paying a lump sum.
• Self-declaration form.
• Birth certificate of the ward, if not already registered with the department.
• Study certificate from the current college or school.
• A copy of the front page of the bank passbook.

References

Guidelines | Government Order | Application Form | 2025-2026 Reimbursement Notice | Contact Us

FAQ's

Which Department of the UT of Puducherry administers this scheme?

The Department of Sainik Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry, manages this scheme.

Where can I find the official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry?

Visit https://sainik.py.gov.in/ for official updates.

Who is the Public Information Officer for this department?

The office is led by the Director of the Department of Sainik Welfare, located at 261, Pakkamudiyanpet, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605 008. The contact number is 0413-2250575.

Who is the Appellate Authority for grievances?

Contact the Secretary to Govt. (Sainik Welfare), Chief Secretariat, Puducherry - 605001, at 0413-2349712.

Are Short Service or Emergency Commissioned Officers treated as ex-servicemen?

Yes, provided the officer was released upon completing the engagement period and received a gratuity.

How do I file an application under the Right to Information (RTI)?

Submit an application along with an IPO or DD for ₹10 in favor of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. Details are available at https://sainik.py.gov.in/right-to-information.

Can I track my application status online?

Online tracking is not available, but the acknowledgment receipt should be kept safe as proof of submission.

Does this scheme have income criteria for eligibility?

No, there is no income limit to apply for this scheme.

Is there compensation for delayed disbursals?

No, the scheme does not include provisions for compensation regarding internal processing delays.