Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the expansion of the definition of ‘family’ for setting parameters for the allotment of accommodation to military officers.The revised definition includes parents, dependent siblings and legally adopted children as part of ‘family’. It would make an officer entitled for seeking ‘family accommodation’ – which is bigger and has more facilities than the accommodation available to a bachelor or single officer.At present, an officer is entitled for ‘family accommodation’ only if he or she is married. With the change of rules, an officer would be entitled for ‘family accommodation’ if he or she is single, divorced, or widowed and his or her parents and dependent siblings are staying with the officer.The Ministry of Defence said the expanded definition is expected to benefit all service officers, including single women officers residing with their parents.The decision takes into account the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and recognises the evolving nature of family responsibilities and caregiving arrangements.