NATIONAL DEFENCE FUND (NDF)

About:

• Background: The fund was setup in the year 1962.
  
  
• Objective: The Fund is used for the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces (including Para Military Forces) and their dependents.
  
  
• Type of funding: The fund is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions from the public and does not get any budgetary support.
  
  
• Administration:
  • It is administered by an Executive Committee, with PM as Chairperson, and Defence, Finance and Home Ministers as Members.
    
    
  • Finance Minister is the Treasurer of the Fund.
    
    
  • The Joint Secretary, PMO is Secretary of the Executive Committee.
    
    
  • Accounts of the Fund are kept with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
    
    
  
  
  

PM Scholarship Scheme under the NDF:

• Background: ‘Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme’ was introduced by Government of India w.e.f. Academic year 2006-2007.
  
  
• Funding: The scholarship is paid out of the National Defence Fund (NDF).
  
  
• Objective: To encourage higher, technical and professional education for the widows and wards of the deceased personnel of Armed Forces and Para Military Forces is being implemented.
  
  
• Implementing agencies: