Punjab is the sword arm of the country and has been contributing a large number of young men towards the defence forces of the nation.  The Punjabi soldiers have won great laurels in various battles thrust upon this country.  However, the soldiers retire from the defence forces at a quite young age and need re-settlement after their discharge from the army.  Besides war widows, disabled soldiers, World War veterans and destitute also need help and sympathy.  The state has a sizeable population of ex-servicemen and the main function of the Department of Sainik Welfare is to help them in re-employment, self-employment, training and their rehabilitation.

In 1919, the District Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen’s Boards were established by the British Government in all the States for the purpose of looking after the welfare of Ex-army personnel demobilized after the First Great War.  The District Boards used to be headed by the Secretary at the District level and were contributing in a small way for the ex-servicemen’s welfare.  During the year 1972, these Boards were re-designated as Zila Sainik Boards and placed under the control of the DCs of the districts.  The administrative control of the Rajya Sainik Board and the Zila Sainik Boards used to be with the Chief Secretary to Govt. of Punjab.  In the year 1983, the Secretaries of the ZSBs were redesignated as District Sainik Welfare Officers with the status of a Class I Officer.  In the year 1984, the Govt. decided to establish a separate Directorate of Sainik Welfare Punjab.