Defence Ministry, QCI Sign MoU to Support 63 Lakh Veterans

In a significant move to enhance welfare services for India’s large veteran community, the Ministry of Defence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India (QCI). This strategic partnership aims to improve the delivery of pension, healthcare, resettlement, and welfare services for more than 63 lakh veterans and their dependents across the country.

MoU Objectives and Strategic Impact

What the MoU Covers

Under this agreement, QCI will assist the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) by,

• Conducting digital evaluations of service delivery systems
• Undertaking impact assessments
• Offering evidence-based policy recommendations

This partnership is expected to modernize veteran support mechanisms, ensuring more efficient, data-driven, and responsive service frameworks.

Healthcare, Resettlement, and Entrepreneurship

A major focus of the MoU is on upgrading healthcare services and promoting re-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans through,

• Enhanced healthcare access and monitoring
• Expansion of re-employment initiatives in both public and private sectors
• Strengthening Sainik Board frameworks at the state and district levels
• Encouraging veteran-led entrepreneurship programs and skilling efforts

A Milestone for Veteran Welfare in India

Institutional Capacity Building

This collaboration signifies a shift from welfare as a beneficiary-oriented model to one rooted in systemic institutional improvement. It emphasizes,

• Quality assurance in service delivery
• Digital integration to increase transparency and reach
• Veteran empowerment beyond traditional support models

The MoU reinforces the government’s commitment to its veteran community, who have contributed to the nation’s defence and now deserve dignified, seamless access to post-retirement services.