New Delhi’s political corridors are buzzing as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi penned a strongly worded letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 28. In a direct appeal, Gandhi demanded immediate action to address critical shortfalls in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and the proposed taxation on disability pensions for armed forces personnel.
Gandhi highlighted the dire state of ECHS, originally designed to provide top-tier healthcare to retired soldiers. Today, the scheme grapples with a massive funding crunch, leaving over ₹12,000 crore in unpaid medical bills. Budget allocations fall short by nearly 30%, forcing hospitals to pull out and veterans to foot hefty bills from their own pockets. For many, this means delays in life-saving treatments for conditions like cancer, turning a promise of care into a nightmare of neglect.
‘Those who served the nation with valor now feel abandoned at their hour of need,’ Gandhi wrote, underscoring the betrayal felt by ex-servicemen. He revealed personal interactions with veterans whose frustrations stem from governmental inaction.
The letter also slams the Finance Bill 2026 proposal to tax disability pensions earned during active service—a first since 1922. Gandhi argued that such pensions compensate for injuries sustained in duty, not taxable income. Taxing them dishonors selfless soldiers who continue serving despite their wounds.
Gandhi called for full clearance of ECHS dues with adequate budgetary support and restoration of tax exemptions on disability pensions. ‘Our armed forces brothers and sisters deserve every support from the nation,’ he asserted, urging swift remedial measures to restore faith in these vital schemes.