Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has fired off a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, demanding urgent reforms for ex-servicemen’s healthcare and pensions. The February 28 missive paints a grim picture of systemic failures affecting India’s military veterans.
At the heart of the issue is the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), plagued by funding deficits. Over ₹12,000 crore in medical claims remain unpaid, stemming from budget shortfalls of about 30%. Hospitals are exiting the network, leaving veterans to bear costs themselves or postpone critical care, including cancer therapies.
Gandhi invoked meetings with ex-servicemen delegations, whose tales of neglect by their own government moved him deeply. ‘It’s heartbreaking to hear their disappointment,’ he wrote.
Equally alarming is the proposed taxation in Finance Bill 2026 on disability pensions for personnel injured on duty while still serving—the first such levy since 1922. Gandhi argued these are compensatory, not income, and taxing them undermines the honor due to wounded warriors who persist in service.
In a clarion call, Gandhi requested comprehensive payment of ECHS arrears with boosted allocations and reinstatement of tax exemptions. Affirming that armed forces personnel merit unwavering national support, he hopes this will bridge the trust deficit and honor their sacrifices appropriately.