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Departments

Ex-Servicemen Welfare

The identity card and assistance

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Contact information

Tamil Nadu Secretariat
Minister in-charge

Hon’ble Chief Minister - Department of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare

Headquarters & office address

Directorate of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare, EVK Sampath Maaligai, College Road, Chennai 600006

Email address
exwel@tn.gov.in

Directorates, boards & agencies under this department

  • Directorate of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare
  • District Ex-Servicemen Welfare Offices (Deputy Directorates)
  • Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Corporation (TEXCO)
  • Armed Forces Flag Day Fund Administration

Related topics & services

Frequently asked citizen questions (FAQs)

How to register and obtain the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Identity Card?

The Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Identity Card is the official credential enabling retired defense personnel and war widows to access state welfare schemes, healthcare, and quotas.

How to apply:

  • Visit the Department of Ex-Servicemen's Welfare office (Deputy Director of Ex-Servicemen Welfare - DDESWO) located at your District Collectorate.
  • Register immediately upon retirement from the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force).

Required documents:

  • Original Military Discharge Certificate / Discharge Book.
  • Pension Payment Order (PPO).
  • Joint passport-size photograph of the ex-serviceman and spouse.
  • Aadhaar card and Smart Family Ration card.
  • The official laminated ESM Identity Card is issued after record verification.
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How do children of veterans get educational grants and reservation quotas?

Children of ex-servicemen are entitled to exclusive reservations in higher education admissions and annual educational grants from the Amalgamated Welfare Fund.

Educational quotas:

  • Dedicated special reservation seats in MBBS/BDS medical admissions, TNEA engineering counseling, and polytechnic admissions for wards of ex-servicemen.
  • Annual educational stipends ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹20,000 for school, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional degree studies.

How to apply:

  • Obtain the official 'Ex-Servicemen Dependent Certificate' from the District Ex-Servicemen Welfare Office (DDESWO) during the annual college admission intake.
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How to get re-employment in government agencies through TEXCO?

The Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Corporation Limited (TEXCO) provides contractual re-employment for retired armed forces personnel in state government establishments.

Job placements:

  • Security guards and security supervisors in government hospitals, secretariats, state transport depots, metro stations, and universities.
  • Drivers, office assistants, and computer operators in government departments.

How to enroll:

  • Register at the TEXCO Head Office in Chennai or online at texco.tn.gov.in.
  • Submit your ESM Identity Card, Discharge Book, and educational certificates.
  • Placements are sponsored on seniority basis with statutory minimum wages, EPF, and ESI coverage.
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Welfare schemes & citizen services

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