MoD Signs MoU with QCI to Strengthen Veteran Welfare Services
The MoU was exchanged between Dr PP Sharma, Joint Secretary & OSD, DESW, and Chakravarthy Kannan, Secretary General, QCI.
New Delhi, August 27: The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to enhance welfare services for over 63 lakh veterans and their dependents. The agreement, signed on August 26 in New Delhi, reaffirms the government’s commitment to “Quality in Service – Dignity for Veterans.”
Expanding Welfare and Healthcare
Under the partnership, QCI will assist DESW in digital evaluations, impact assessments, and evidence-based policy recommendations, while DESW will ensure access to data and coordinate with state governments, Zila Sainik Boards, Armed Forces Headquarters, and empanelled hospitals.
The initiative is aimed at improving pension disbursal, healthcare, resettlement, and welfare schemes, while also expanding opportunities for re-employment and entrepreneurship among veterans. It further seeks to strengthen the institutional frameworks of state and district Sainik Boards.
Focus on Technology and Efficiency
Speaking at the signing, Secretary (DESW) Dr Niten Chandra stressed the importance of adopting digital platforms, AI-driven applications, and social media to improve outreach and service delivery. He said the collaboration would help optimise systems, strengthen monitoring, and ensure evidence-based improvements across veteran welfare schemes.
Signing Ceremony
The MoU was exchanged between Dr PP Sharma, Joint Secretary & OSD, DESW, and Chakravarthy Kannan, Secretary General, QCI. Senior officials from DESW, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Kendriya Sainik Board, Service Headquarters, and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers were present.
Officials said the move marks a significant step towards delivering more transparent, efficient, and veteran-centric services, ensuring dignity and welfare for the country’s ex-servicemen community.
