){kind=link}
Congress leader raises concerns over healthcare scheme, government cites funding and process challenges
April 2, 2026: Rahul Gandhi has raised serious concerns over deficiencies in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), urging the government to ensure better support for armed forces veterans. Citing interactions with injured ex-servicemen at ‘Jansansad’, he highlighted issues such as delays in reimbursements, shortage of medicines, denial of treatment by hospitals, and removal from the scheme due to unpaid dues. Gandhi noted that over 72 lakh beneficiaries depend on ECHS for healthcare and accused the government of failing to provide clear answers on pending dues and delays.
He also referred to observations by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, which pointed to inadequate funding for the scheme. Gandhi questioned the government over budget allocations, pending liabilities, and the lack of clarity on tax exemptions for disabled ex-servicemen. He further criticized provisions in the Finance Bill, claiming that taxing disability pensions for those continuing in service would unfairly penalize soldiers.
Responding in Parliament, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said the ECHS provides cashless healthcare through a wide network of polyclinics and empanelled hospitals. He acknowledged that bill processing is time-consuming and may lead to cyclical delays due to financial year transitions and rising expenditure. On disability pensions, he clarified that income tax is not being deducted in compliance with a Supreme Court of India order, and provisions in the new Income Tax framework aim to continue existing exemptions.