Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved an expansion of the definition of ‘family’ for allotment of government accommodation to service officers, making defence housing policies more practical and inclusive. The revised definition now includes parents, dependent siblings and legally adopted children, in addition to spouse, stepchildren and dependent children.
The move is expected to benefit officers who are sole caregivers to parents or siblings, including single women officers residing with their parents. The earlier, narrower definition had created challenges for such personnel under house allotment rules.
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The decision aligns with the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, recognising broader family structures and caregiving responsibilities. The government said the change reflects evolving social realities and aims to enhance welfare within the armed forces.
