New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh appealed to the public to contribute wholeheartedly to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund during a message on December 7, 2023. He encouraged citizens to participate in the government’s initiative to ensure the welfare of Veer Naris, Ex-servicemen, and their families.
Raksha Mantri Singh, in his message on AFFD, emphasized the moral responsibility of every citizen to support the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) efforts for the care, assistance, rehabilitation, and treatment of veterans, war widows, and their dependents through various welfare schemes. He highlighted the collective duty to ensure due recognition for their contributions.
Singh acknowledged the soldiers’ discipline, dedication, and patriotism in safeguarding borders and contributing to relief and rescue operations globally. He paid tribute to those who sacrificed for the nation’s unity and sovereignty, urging people to contribute to the AFFD Fund and inspire others to do the same.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt extended best wishes to Armed Forces personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families. He urged people to express gratitude by contributing to the AFFD Fund and supporting welfare schemes.
Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Vijoy Kumar Singh also encouraged generous contributions to the AFFD Fund, paying homage to fallen heroes and those in uniform.
The AFFD aims to honor fallen heroes and personnel in uniform. The MoD’s Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare focuses on the welfare and rehabilitation of war widows, children of fallen soldiers, and ex-servicemen. Financial assistance is provided for various needs, including medical treatment, vocational training, and grants for children’s education and funeral expenses.
During the Financial Year 2022-23, over Rs 250 crore were distributed to more than 99,000 beneficiaries. Recent increases in grants reflect a continuous commitment to improving assistance. Contributions to the AFFD Fund are exempt from Income Tax.
Individuals can contribute via cheque/DD/NEFT/RTGS to designated bank accounts, details of which are provided on the official website. Additionally, a QR code is available for easy electronic donations to the AFFD Fund.