The Rajya Sainik Board, West Bengal has a legacy dating back to 22 March 1945, when it was established as the Bengal Provincial Sailors’, Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Board. After Independence, it was recognised as the Provincial Sailors’, Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Board with effect from 15 August 1947. In 1951, it was renamed as the West Bengal State Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Board.

Subsequently, as part of the reforms of the Kendriya Sainik Board, it was renamed as the Rajya Sainik Board, West Bengal and functions as a Directorate. The Board is located at Writers’ Buildings and functions under the administrative control of the Home & Hill Affairs Department (Defence) since October 1984.

At present, the Rajya Sainik Board caters to a large ex-servicemen population in the State, including widows and dependents, numbering approximately 4.36 lakh.

• Post-retirement documentation of ex-servicemen and widows
• Processing of grants and scholarships sanctioned by the Ministry of Defence and Government of West Bengal
• Processing of ex-gratia and gallantry award benefits
• Redressal of grievances of ex-servicemen, widows, and their families
• Issuance of identity cards to ex-servicemen and their dependents
• Processing of employment-related facilities for ex-servicemen within West Bengal and other States