Recently I read a report in Indian Express…
Key issues Highlighted by the Article…
Since 1985, around 500 officer cadets have been medically discharged due to disabilities incurred during training– paralysis, brain injuries and more– yet not granted Ex- Servicemen (ESM) status, which would entitle them to healthcare under the ECHS. Instead they receive a modest ex- gratia of up to ₹ 40000 per month, which still falls short of their typical bills of ₹ 40000-₹95000+ per month.
Their plea is simple “Should cadets like my son not get ESM status so that he can at least get treatment in Military Hospitals?
Even this minimal relief has been stuck in red tape over a year.
I’m compelled to share my thoughts on this matter, given my family’s deep-rooted connection to the Armed Forces. Three generations of my family have served with honor – my father in the Army Medical Corps during the 1962 China war, my elder brother, and now my son-in-law, who’s serving in the Indian Air Force, selected through the NDA. My father’s experiences in Chushul, Ladakh, witnessing the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices made by our soldiers, have left an indelible mark on me.
After his retirement, he continued to serve by handling a dispensary for an organization Established in 1917 , by Lady Marie Wellington, wife of then Governor of Bombay, that rehabilitates injured and paralyzed military personnel in Pune. ( QMTI, kirkee ,Pune) I’ve seen the resilience and determination of these individuals as they overcome their disabilities to reintegrate into society. The government’s support and facilities have been instrumental in improving their lives.
Given this background, it’s heartbreaking to think that our young officers and jawans, ( injured during their training) barely in their late teens, are expected to fight throughout their lives without adequate support. It’s a stark contrast to the care and rehabilitation provided to those who’ve been injured. This disparity raises questions about the welfare of our Armed Forces training personnel they’re expected to make. It’s a matter that demands attention and action.
Here’s what I think—and what should be done—for our brave cadets who’ve been disabled during military training and now live with soaring medical bills and inadequate support:
What Should Be Done
- Grant ESM Status Immediately
These cadets were disabled in the line of duty—even if training—devoting years to national defense. Granting them ESM status would unlock access to ECHS benefits, military hospitals, and empanelled treatment facilities. This is not just humane; it’s fair and long overdue.
- Increase Ex-Gratia Payments / Disability Elements Benefits
Even with ESM status, a revised financial package is essential. The average medical need far exceeds ₹40,000/month. A tiered system—based on disability severity—should be introduced to ensure no one is left impoverished by injuries incurred while serving the nation.
The absence of rules and benefits for NDA cadets stems from their current legal status, which doesn’t recognize them as Armed Forces personal until commissioning. To address this gap, the Ministry of Defense should consider extending benefits to NDA cadets in a manner that acknowledges their future roles and responsibilities.
- Institutionalize a Public–Private Support Mechanism
The idea of enabling 100% tax deductions for corporate contributions toward these cadets could be a groundbreaking model—especially under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Why it’s promising: Companies would be financially incentivized to support rehabilitation, medical care, or infrastructure (e.g., physiotherapy centers, assistive devices).
Necessary steps: The government can clarify guidelines (perhaps via Finance and Defense ministries) to include donations to cadet relief funds under 100% tax deduction. This not only widens the funding base but also accelerates care for those in need.
- Launch a Dedicated Rehabilitation & Transition Fund
- a. One like Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center, Kirkee Pune.
- b. Queen Mery Technical School , Kirkee, pune for injured Jawans, for rehabilitation.
- Set up a centralized corpus or fund, managed transparently, aimed at covering:
Long-term medical treatments, physiotherapy, assistive aids
Counseling and mental-health support
Skill development and vocational rehabilitation for cadets who can or want to re-enter the workforce
Streamline Administrative Processes
Most of these families are non-military and unfamiliar with paperwork. Establish simple, fast-track application processes that are user-friendly, empathetic, and time-bound—so that relief arrives without bureaucratic hurdles.
In Summary
We should collectively amplify this—our nation owes more than just gratitude. We owe tangible, sustained care:
Grant ESM status to eligible cadets, enabling access to government-provided healthcare
Enhance financial aid, commensurate with actual disability-related expenses
Incentivise corporate support via tax benefits to broaden the pool of assistance
Create a long-term rehabilitation fund, blending public and private resources
Reduce red tape so help is timely and reachable.
Such a multi-pronged approach could transform despair into dignity—giving justice to those who gave so much in service.
Reference of article published in Indian Express.
Finally, Supreme Court asked Government to take appropriate steps to help them in need.They can’t be left high and dry.
Latest approval from Govt of India , ministry of defense.
Parent’s demands for Disability Elements and Ex servicemen pension are on going.
Let’s see who comes forward to resolve this issue.
