Chandigarh takes pride in being home to a large number of defence personnel, particularly senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces. As the capital of both Punjab and Haryana States that are among the top contributors to the Indian military. Chandigarh offers excellent living conditions and numerous government employment opportunities without any domiciliary restrictions. These factors have led many defence personnel to choose Chandigarh as their permanent place of residence.

Over the past decade, the population of Ex-servicemen in the city has increased significantly. Since many of them retire at a relatively young age, their rehabilitation becomes a vital concern. The Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Chandigarh, serves as the Nodal agency for ensuring their welfare. It assists Ex-servicemen in securing suitable employment or starting self-employment ventures, in addition to addressing other aspects of their welfare and well-being.

The Zila Sainik Board (UT) was originally constituted on 01 April 1978 with the purpose of overseeing the welfare and resettlement of Ex-servicemen, Serving Personnel, War Widows, and their Dependents residing in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Before 1978, these responsibilities were handled by the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Ambala(Haryana). The board was later re-designated as the Zila Sainik Welfare Office on 11 January 1985. The office, headed by the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, is located in Sector 21-D, Chandigarh. This department functions under the Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh, with the Home Secretary serving as the Administrative Secretary.

The Zila Sainik Board continues to be governed by the Chandigarh Administration. The Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh serves as the President of the Board, while the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer acts as the Ex-Officio Secretary. The current composition of the Board is as follows :-

1. President: Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh
2. Vice President: Brigadier Daljit Singh Dhillon (Retd)
3. Members:
   1. Ex-Officio Members:
      • SDM (C), Chandigarh
      • Director Recruiting, HQ Recruiting Zone, Ambala Cantt
      • Representative of Station HQ, Chandimandir
   2. Non-Officio Members:
      • Lt Col Raj Kumar Singh (Retd)
      • Sh Kk Sharda (Social WOrker)
4. Secretary: Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, UT Chandigarh