Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman demanding immediate intervention on two serious issues related to ex-servicemen. This letter has been written after meeting a delegation of ex-servicemen at the Parliament House. He had informed him about his problems.
Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over financial situation
In the letter, Rahul Gandhi has expressed serious concern over the current financial condition of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. He wrote that the scheme, whose objective is to provide better health services to ex-servicemen. At present it is facing a huge funding crisis.
The letter mentions that medical bills worth more than Rs 12,000 crore are pending and the budget allocation is about 30 percent less than the actual requirement. Many private hospitals are opting out of the scheme due to delay in payment. Due to which ex-servicemen either have to spend from their own pockets or delay the treatment of serious diseases like cancer.
Rahul Gandhi has called it ‘injustice to the soldiers who have served the country’. Along with this, he has also objected to the provision proposed in the Finance Bill 2026. In which it has been said that income tax will be imposed on the disability pension of the soldiers who remain in service.
The proposal to impose income tax on disability pension should be withdrawn
It has been said in the letter that for the first time since 1922, disability pension is being brought under the tax net. Rahul Gandhi wrote that disability pension is not an income, but a relief given to injured soldiers. Soldiers who continue to serve despite being wounded deserve special respect, not taxation.
Rahul Gandhi has urged the Finance Minister to ensure immediate payment of all pending liabilities of ECHS and adequate budget allocation. Also, full income tax exemption on disability pension should be restored.
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