Rakshak Plus Scheme by PNB provides ₹17.02 crore aid to 26 martyrs’ families in June 2025. Know benefits, eligibility, and coverage for defence and paramilitary personnel.
PNB Disburses ₹17.02 Crore to Martyrs’ Families Under Rakshak Plus Scheme
New Delhi, June 11, 2025 – Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has provided financial aid amounting to ₹17.02 crore to the families of 26 defence and paramilitary personnel who lost their lives on duty. This assistance was distributed under the Rakshak Plus Scheme, reaffirming PNB’s steadfast commitment to supporting the families of national heroes .
What Is Rakshak Plus Scheme?
The Rakshak Plus Scheme is a dedicated financial product tailored for defence and paramilitary personnel. It includes:
- Personal accidental insurance worth ₹1 crore (death or permanent total disability)
- Air accidental coverage of ₹1.5 crore during air travel
- Partial disability benefits
- Supporting provisions for bereaved families
Who Are the Beneficiaries?
On June 11, 2025, families of 26 martyrs—who sacrificed their lives in operations such as Birli Gali—received financial aid of ₹17 crore collectively
PNB’s Solidarity and Rapid Disbursement
Binay Gupta, PNB’s Chief General Manager (BARM), said: “It is our solemn duty to support the families of martyrs. Through Rakshak Plus, PNB offers more than financial assistance—it’s a symbol of respect and enduring support for their immense sacrifices” The bank emphasized that obtaining timely assistance for bereaved families is a key priority
Scope of the Scheme
Apart from officers and soldiers, the Rakshak Plus Scheme extends coverage to serving and pensioned personnel from diverse forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, SPG, Coast Guard, police forces, paramilitary, agniveers, firefighters, trainees, RAW, IB, CBI, RPF, NDRF, and state/metro police
Holistic Benefits Beyond Aid
The scheme offers a wide array of benefits:
- Funeral and medical expense coverage
- Education funding for children
- Transport and air ambulance support
- Add-on accidental death cover for terrorist/foreign enemy actions
- Special benefits for girl-child marriages
- RuPay card insurance and locker/loan concessions
Why This News Is Important
Supporting National Heroes
PNB’s initiative exemplifies institutional backing for the families of fallen soldiers and paramilitary personnel. This is crucial for exams where questions on social welfare schemes, financial inclusion, and institutional roles in national security may feature.
Reflects Government–Bank Synergy
The scheme mirrors how public-sector institutions play an active role in complementing government welfare for defence and paramilitary forces—essential knowledge for understanding fiscal and administrative structures in India.
Policy Design and Targeted Welfare
Rakshak Plus highlights policy design aimed at holistic support—covering financial, educational, and healthcare needs—emphasizing the multi-tiered nature of Indian welfare models.
Contemporary Relevance
Disbursal of ₹17 crore in June 2025 illustrates real-time implementation of welfare schemes—a strong topic for current-affairs segments in exams like SSC, banking, railways, and civil services.
Precedent for Accountability and Responsiveness
The swift payout underscores accountability and quick governance—traits that government exam aspirants should recognize in public-sector performance evaluations.
Historical Context: Banking Support for Uniformed Services
- Origin: Public-sector banks began offering welfare schemes to armed forces in the early 2000s, aligning with national security priorities.
- Rakshak Series Evolution: PNB launched its original Rakshak scheme, gradually enhancing features into Rakshak Plus by adding air accident coverage and other benefits
- Past Precedents: In April 2025, PNB extended ₹1 crore aid to the family of Lance Naik Jitendra Kumar Yadav, reinforcing its commitment
- Expansion in Scope: Over time, coverage was widened to include paramilitary, police, intelligence, and agniveer personnel—reflecting inclusive welfare policy
Key Takeaways from “PNB Disburses ₹17 Crore Aid under Rakshak Plus Scheme”
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | ₹17.02 crore disbursed to 26 martyrs’ families under Rakshak Plus as of June 11, 2025. |
| 2 | Scheme covers ₹1 crore personal accident and ₹1.5 crore air accident insurance. |
| 3 | Extends to defence, par-army, police, agniveers, and intelligence personnel. |
| 4 | Inclusive benefits: funeral, education, medical, transport, girl-child marriage support. |
| 5 | Reflects PNB’s institutional commitment to national welfare and speedy disbursal. |
FAQs Related to PNB’s Rakshak Plus Scheme Aid Disbursement
1. What is the Rakshak Plus Scheme by PNB?
The Rakshak Plus Scheme is a specially designed financial product by Punjab National Bank offering accident insurance, air travel coverage, and additional welfare benefits to defence, paramilitary, police, and intelligence personnel.
2. How much financial aid was disbursed by PNB in June 2025?
PNB disbursed ₹17.02 crore in June 2025 to the families of 26 martyrs under the Rakshak Plus Scheme.
3. Who are eligible for Rakshak Plus Scheme benefits?
Serving and retired personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, SPG, Coast Guard, Police, RPF, NDRF, IB, RAW, CBI, Fire Services, and Agniveers are eligible.
4. What are some major benefits covered under the scheme?
The scheme offers accident coverage up to ₹1 crore, air travel accident coverage up to ₹1.5 crore, child education support, funeral aid, transport reimbursement, and marriage support for the girl child.
5. Why is this scheme important for competitive exam preparation?
It highlights current national welfare initiatives, public sector banking support, and disaster/social security schemes—topics frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Defence exams.
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