New Delhi, February 28: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting an increase in funding for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and the removal of income tax on disability pensions.
Gandhi emphasized that the ECHS was established to provide the best healthcare services. However, it is currently facing a severe funding shortfall, with over ₹12,000 crores in pending medical bills. The budget allocation is nearly 30% less than required, leading to hospitals withdrawing services due to non-payment. As a result, veterans are forced to pay out of pocket, causing delays in treatment for serious illnesses like cancer. Those who served the nation feel neglected during their time of need.
In his letter, he stated, “The Finance Bill 2026 proposes to tax disability pensions for soldiers who remain in service. This is the first time since 1922 that such a tax is being levied. The purpose of the disability pension is to provide relief to injured soldiers and should not be considered as income. Furthermore, when a disabled soldier chooses to remain in service or is requested to do so, they serve India selflessly despite their injuries. Taxing something that deserves recognition is an insult.”
Gandhi also mentioned that a delegation of veterans he met brought these issues to his attention. It was disheartening to hear their feelings of disappointment from their own government.
In his letter to Sitharaman, the Congress MP expressed confidence that she would agree that our brothers and sisters serving in the armed forces deserve all forms of support from the nation. Therefore, he urged her to ensure that all pending liabilities of the ECHS are settled with adequate budgetary support and to restore the tax exemption on disability pensions.
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