New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, reached out to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He expressed his worries about what he termed as significant funding shortfalls in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and urged for the retraction of the recently imposed income tax on disability pensions.

In his correspondence with the Finance Minister, Gandhi emphasized the urgent need for action on two crucial matters that affect both military personnel and veterans.

"I am writing to seek your immediate intervention regarding two pressing issues for armed forces personnel: adequate financial support for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and the removal of recently introduced income taxes on disability pensions," he stated.

Focusing on the financial difficulties faced by the health scheme, Gandhi pointed out that the ECHS, which aims to offer top-notch healthcare to veterans, is currently grappling with a severe lack of resources.

"The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme is established to ensure the best healthcare for veterans. However, it is now experiencing a drastic funding crisis. Over Rs 12,000 crore in medical expenses are pending, the budget allocation is nearly 30% less than what's needed, and hospitals are withdrawing due to unpaid dues," he wrote.

He further highlighted how this shortfall directly impacts veterans and their families, stating, "Veterans are compelled to cover their own medical expenses or delay critical treatments for severe illnesses like cancer. Those who have served our nation are feeling abandoned during their time of need," Gandhi lamented.

The Congress leader also referenced the Finance Bill 2026, voicing his disapproval of a proposal that, according to him, proposes to tax disability pensions if a soldier remains in service. "This marks the first instance since 1922 that disability pensions are subject to taxation. These pensions are intended to provide support for servicemen who have incurred injuries and should not be regarded as income," he asserted.

Gandhi contended that imposing taxes on these pensions is unjust, especially for injured personnel who opt to continue their service. "Furthermore, when a disabled serviceman decides or is requested to remain in service, they are selflessly serving India despite their injuries. It is disgraceful to tax what ought to be honored," he added.

Reflecting on his recent discussions with former military personnel, Gandhi mentioned that these concerns were brought to him by a group of ex-servicemen.

"A group of ex-servicemen I spoke with highlighted these critical issues. It was heart-wrenching to hear their sentiments of being let down by the government. I trust you will concur that our brave men and women in the armed forces warrant unwavering support from a grateful nation. Hence, I implore you to address all outstanding ECHS obligations with sufficient budgetary support and restore the full income tax exemption on disability pensions," he wrote.