Ex-servicemen body writes to MPs over pending welfare issues

The Indian Ex-Services League (IESL), the apex body representing retired soldiers, has written to all Members of Parliament seeking intervention to resolve long-pending issues related to healthcare, pensions and the forthcoming pay commission. In letters sent to MPs of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the IESL highlighted pending bills under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), stating that there has been a steady deterioration in its implementation, primarily due to a shortage of funds. “The biggest problem is the outstanding bills of empanelled hospitals and individual beneficiaries,” the IESL said, adding that while there is no funding issue for serving personnel, retired soldiers continue to face difficulties.

On the issue of the proposed 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the IESL said the panel would determine the future of over 25 lakh veterans. “We continue to suffer from anomalies carried forward from one pay commission to another. Even the one-man judicial committee report of Justice Narasimha Reddy, appointed in 2015 on one-rank-one-pension (OROP), has not been implemented,” it said.

The organisation also pointed out that even when courts grant relief in individual or collective cases involving veterans, the Ministry of Defence often files appeals.

The IESL further flagged the absence of pension benefits for armed forces personnel who joined as Emergency Commissioned Officers or served as Short Service Officers for periods ranging from five to 14 years. Many of them participated in major operations, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, Sri Lanka operations, the Kargil conflict and counter-insurgency duties.

It added that regular commissioned officers who resigned prematurely for compelling reasons despite completing more than five years of service are also denied pensions.

“The saddest condition is that of jawans,” the letter said, noting that some soldiers who fought in the 1965 and 1971 wars were sent home without any pension

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Courtesy: The Tribune -12-Jan-2026