Next-Level Support for Heroes: MoD Teams Up with QCI to Transform Veteran Welfare Across India

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has marked a significant step towards improving veteran welfare by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India (QCI). This partnership aims to reinforce delivery of essential services such as pension, healthcare, resettlement, and overall welfare for more than 63 lakh veterans and their dependents. The MoU is an embodiment of the commitment to “Quality in Service – Dignity for Veterans,” ensuring veterans receive timely and efficient support.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

The MoU was formalized on August 26, 2025, in New Delhi, underscoring a strategic collaboration between the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) of MoD and QCI.

QCI will provide expertise in digital evaluations, impact assessments, and evidence-based policy recommendations, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of veteran welfare programs.

DESW will act as a facilitator by ensuring data access and coordinating efforts with State Governments, Zila Sainik Boards, Armed Forces Headquarters, and empanelled hospitals to ensure a seamless execution of welfare initiatives.

The collaboration aims to upgrade healthcare delivery to veterans, broaden opportunities for their re-employment and entrepreneurship, and fortify the institutional mechanisms underlying State and District Sainik Boards.

Strengthening Welfare Delivery Through Technology

A major thrust of the MoU is leveraging advanced technology to optimize service delivery. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Secretary of DESW, Dr. Niten Chandra, highlighted the vital role of digital platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and social media in enhancing outreach to veterans. The collaboration with QCI is expected to focus on system optimization and ongoing monitoring to improve welfare schemes in an evidence-based manner. This focus ensures veteran welfare services are not only effective but continuously evolving with technological advancements.

Facilitating Coordinated Stakeholder Engagement

The MoU formalizes roles and responsibilities to foster synergy among multiple stakeholders involved in veteran services. DESW will coordinate with state entities like Zila Sainik Boards and various defense service headquarters, along with healthcare providers, for streamlined service delivery. This coordinated approach is critical to addressing diverse needs including pensions, healthcare access, and resettlement support, thereby creating a more holistic and responsive support system for veterans.

Expanding Economic and Healthcare Opportunities for Veterans

The initiative places strong emphasis on expanding healthcare infrastructure and facilitating economic empowerment for veterans. By reinforcing healthcare delivery, the agreement ensures veterans and their dependents receive high-quality medical services. Additionally, expanding re-employment and entrepreneurship programs aims to provide veterans with meaningful post-service economic opportunities, helping them seamlessly transition into civilian life with dignity and sustainability.

Signatories and Witnesses

The MoU was signed by Dr. P.P. Sharma, Joint Secretary & Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of DESW, and Shri Chakravarthy Kannan, Secretary General of QCI. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from several related organizations including the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Kendriya Sainik Board, Service Headquarters, and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, reflecting the comprehensive and collaborative nature of this initiative.

Looking Ahead: Impact on Veteran Welfare

This MoU marks a significant stride toward enhancing the quality of life for India’s veterans. The integration of technology, coordinated governance, and focus on economic and healthcare improvement stands to create a robust framework supporting over 63 lakh veterans and their families. The alliance between MoD and QCI not only optimizes existing services but also fortifies policy-making through data-driven insights to meet evolving veteran needs.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), The Statesman, News On Air, PSU Connect, Indian Masterminds