Disabled Military Cadets to be Provided Free Medical Treatment Under ECHS After Defence Ministry Sanction
In a path-breaking decision, the Defence Ministry has decided to include officer cadets who develop disabilities while training and are then discharged from service under the benefits of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Until recently, such cadets were not given access to ECHS facilities since they did not possess the official ex-servicemen (ESM) status. The new directive, however, released by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), now guarantees that these cadets shall be given free medical treatment in military hospitals, ECHS polyclinics, and empanelled private health centers in the entire nation.
A Critical Policy Shift
The order gives the eligibility that cadets rendered invalid as a result of disabilities caused or exacerbated by military training shall be covered under this benefit. They will not be asked to pay the one-time subscription fee of ₹1.2 lakh to enroll in the ECHS, unlike commissioned ex-servicemen. The cover will be given only to the affected cadet and not to his or her family members.
Authorities have made clear that this provision is being extended as a one-off special dispensation rather than a general right.
Background and Legal Drive
This follows shortly after the Supreme Court, this week earlier, had taken suo motu cognisance of news reports detailing the struggles of cadets who were dismissed from service on account of training-related disabilities. The Court asked the Centre and the armed forces for their response in respect of the issue, observing the lacuna in welfare assistance to such persons.
Currently, all ex-servicemen avail of ECHS benefits. But cadets who get career-ending disabilities prior to commissioning have so far remained beyond the fold of this healthcare safety net—though their injuries are directly attributable to service conditions.
Relief, But Demands Continue
While the shift has been received as much-needed relief for cadets affected, veterans, and interest groups observe that medical cover is not sufficient alone. Cadets still insist on recognition by way of disability pensions and ex-servicemen status, which would accrue to them long-term welfare assistance, resettlement benefits, and entitlement to broader benefits.
A Step Towards Justice
For the time being, the Defence Ministry's move is a major step towards solving the historic problems of disabled cadets, till now termed "wounded before war". Placing them under the ECHS cover, the government has guaranteed they would no longer be denied crucial medical attention, even if their greater struggle for complete rights and recognition continues.
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