ESM Daughters Yojana is a central government scheme meant to support daughters of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) with money for their marriage. Started by the Central Sainik Board, this scheme offers ₹50,000 to daughters of ESM, including pensioners and non-pensioners, as well as daughters of Havildars and equivalent ranks in the Navy and Air Force. Financial help is also available for the remarriage of ESM widows and daughters of ESM widows. If you want to know all about the ESM Daughters Yojana, keep reading for complete details.
About ESM Daughters Yojana 2025
The ESM Daughters Yojana was started by the Central Sainik Board in 1981. At first, eligible daughters received ₹3,000 as marriage assistance. In May 2017, this amount was raised to ₹16,000 per daughter for up to two daughters. Later, from 1 April 2016, the marriage grant for widows increased from ₹16,000 to ₹50,000 per daughter. This scheme helps ESM widows, orphan daughters of ESM, and daughters of Havildars and equivalent ranks in the Navy and Air Force. The financial help is sent directly to the bank account of the beneficiary. Click here for more details on Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
Details of ESM Daughters Yojana
| Scheme Name | ESM Daughters Yojana |
| Launched By | Central Sainik Board |
| Beneficiaries | Widows of ESM, orphan daughters, and daughters of Havildars (Navy, Air Force) up to equivalent rank |
| Purpose | Financial assistance for marriage |
| Year | 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://www.ksb.gov.in/ |
LIC Kanyadan Policy
Purpose of the ESM Daughters Yojana
This scheme helps ESM widows, their orphan daughters, and daughters of Havildars and similar ranks by offering financial help for their marriage. This support reduces the need to ask others for help during such important events. In 2016, the marriage grant for widows was raised from ₹16,000 to ₹50,000 per daughter. Under this scheme, families can get benefits for up to two daughters.
Eligibility Criteria for ESM Daughters Yojana
- The applicant should be an ESM, a widow of an ESM, or their orphan daughter.
- Applicants who held the rank of Havildar or its equivalent in the Navy or Air Force are also eligible.
- Application must be submitted online within 180 days from the wedding date.
- Recommendation from the concerned ZSB and RSB is needed.
- Daughter’s minimum age must be 18 years or older.
- The applicant should not have received any other financial help for marriage from the state government or other sources.
Important Documents Required
- Age certificate of the daughter
- Marriage certificate
- Bank account details
- Certificate proving no other financial help received for marriage from government or other services
- Scanned copies of documents
- PPO document
Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana
How to Apply for ESM Daughters Yojana
Eligible beneficiaries must apply online within 180 days from their marriage date to get financial help under this scheme.
- Visit the official website of Central Sainik Board Secretariat at https://www.ksb.gov.in/ and fill out the online application form.
- After submitting, a ZSB employee will give you an appointment and verify your application.
- After verification, ZSB will recommend your case and send the application to RSB.
- RSB Secretary will then recommend your application and send it to KSB.
- KSB officials will review and approve your application.
- Once approved and funds are ready, payment will be sent online to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Note: If you are applying for the marriage grant for a second daughter, you need to submit a new application.