New Delhi: Armed Forces Flag Day in India is observed on December 7 every year. The day was established on December 7, 1949, to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who bravely fought and continue to fight on our borders to safeguard the country’s honour.
In any country, soldiers are the greatest assets and are regarded as the guardians of the nation, ready to protect its citizens at all costs.
As citizens, we must show our respect for the martyrs and living heroes who were injured while serving our country and their families who share in this sacrifice. Flag Day highlights our commitment to supporting our disabled soldiers, the widows of fallen soldiers, and the families of martyrs who gave their lives for our nation.
On Armed Forces Flag Day, you can donate to the families of martyrs and ex-servicemen. Read on for more details about how to do this.
On Armed Forces Flag Day, we salute the unwavering courage and dedication of our soldiers who protect the nation with honor. Let us reaffirm our commitment to their welfare and recognize their invaluable contributions to our freedom and security. Together, we stand in gratitude… pic.twitter.com/6soMkA407Q
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 7, 2024
How can you donate to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?
All Indian citizens can generously contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). This fund helps support war widows, Ex-Servicemen (ESM), and soldier families. Your contributions to the AFFDF are tax-exempt under Section 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, part of the Ministry of Defence, helps war widows, children of soldiers who died in service, and Ex-Servicemen, including those with disabilities.
They provide financial assistance for needs such as grants for basic living, children’s education, funerals, medical expenses, and support for orphaned or disabled children.
This assistance comes from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which collects contributions from the public on Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD), which is celebrated on December 7 every year.
Contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund can help meet the growing financial needs of ex-servicemen, their families and war widows. One can donate to the AFFDF Fund by cheque, demand draft (DD), NEFT, or RTGS to the following bank accounts:
Sr.
No.
Bank Name & Address
Account Number
IFSC Code
1.
Punjab National Bank
Sewa Bhawan Branch
RK Puram, New Delhi-110066
3083000100179875
F’UNB0308300
2.
State Bank of India (Saving A/c)
RK Puram, New Delhi-110066
34420400623
SBIN0001076
3.
State Bank of India (Current A/c)
RK Puram, New Delhi-110066
40601079720
SBIN0001076
4.
ICICI Bank
IDA House, Sector-4
RK Puram, New Delhi-110022
182401001380
ICIC0001824
The Role of the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB)
The Kendriya Sainik Board manages the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). A Managing Committee runs the AFFDF, led by the Defence Minister at the national level and the Governor or Lt Governor at the state or union territory level.
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) is a key part of the Indian government. It creates and runs various support and rehabilitation programs for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their families.
This is done through Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs) and Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) in state capitals and district headquarters nationwide.
The welfare programmes are funded by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, established on April 13, 1993, through a Gazette of India notification. This fund combines several previous funds, including:
1) Amalgamated Special Fund for war bereaved, war disabled, and other ESM or serving personnel
2) Armed Forces Flag Day Fund
3) St. Dunstan’s (India) and Kendriya Sainik Board Fund
4) Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Fund.
The Kendriya Sainik Board oversees the AFFDF, which provides financial help to needy Ex-Servicemen, war widows, and their dependents. It also supports institutions that assist in the rehabilitation of these individuals.
The Managing Committee that oversees the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund includes the Honourable Raksha Mantri as Chairman, the Honourable Raksha Rajya Mantri as Vice Chairman, the three Service Chiefs, the Defence Secretary, the Secretary for Ex-Servicemen Welfare/MoD, and other senior officials from the central government.
When was the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund started?
The Defence Minister’s committee established the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in 1949. In 1993, the Indian Defence Ministry combined all related welfare funds into this unified fund, which included funds for war victims, the Kendriya Sainik Board Fund, and the ex-servicemen’s welfare fund.
Armed Forces Flag Day honours soldiers’ sacrifices and supports their families. The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF), managed by the Kendriya Sainik Board, provides financial assistance to war widows, ex-servicemen, and their dependents. This day emphasises our collective responsibility to care for those who protect our nation. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
