Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for funding to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and restoration of full income tax exemption on disability pensions.
In his letter to Sitharaman, Mr. Gandhi said he is requesting her action on two issues affecting armed forces personnel.
He wrote about the newly introduced income tax on disability pensions, saying it should not be treated as income, and said it is "insulting" to tax something that should be praised. Mr. Gandhi said the ECHS is designed to give veterans the best healthcare, and it should be adequately funded.
Congress slams tax on disability pension, seeks rollback of policy
"Today, it is suffering from severe funding shortages. Over 12,000 crore in medical bills remain pending, budget allocation is nearly 30% below requirement, and hospitals are opting out due to non-payment. Veterans are being forced to pay from their own pockets, or even delay treatment for serious diseases like cancer. Those who served the country are feeling neglected in their hour of need," Mr. Gandhi wrote.
