Introduction

The History of Soldier Welfare and Rehabilitation in India

The Indian Soldiers’ Board was established on 07 September 1919, at the end of World War I. The purpose of this board was to advise the government on the welfare and rehabilitation of retired, deceased, and disabled soldiers and their dependents. After India’s independence, the name of this Board was changed to the Indian Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen Board. In 1975, the name was again changed to the Kendriya Sainik Board, which is a constitutional Board. This Board currently operates under the Ministry of Defence and contributes to the welfare and rehabilitation of retired soldiers and their dependents serving in the armed forces of India.

Understanding the importance of the rehabilitation and welfare of retired soldiers and their dependents, the then government established a new “Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare” at the Ministry of Defence level on 22 September 2004. Although the responsibility for the welfare of retired soldiers and their dependents lies with the central and state governments, most of the responsibilities and the resolution of their issues are handled by the state government.

Therefore, a “Rajya Sainik Kalyan Board” has been formed in each state to advise the state government. All work related to soldier welfare is carried out through district soldier welfare and rehabilitation offices. At the district level, a ‘District Soldier Board’ has been formed under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate to provide advice. In Uttarakhand, there are 16 district soldier welfare offices in 13 districts.