Military Veterans Welfare
Rules, Regulations and Updated orders & Instructions on Indian Defence related issues
Amid growing concern over the treatment and welfare of defence personnel and their families, a significant public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court as published in the news article of 06 April 2025 from Chandigarh. The petitioner, Tamanna Swami, a law student from Mohali and the daughter of … Read more
Introduction In a significant move to bolster India’s maritime strength, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness during the first edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025, held at the Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka. The event marked an important strategic dialogue amid changing global security dynamics and emphasized India’s maritime leadership … Read more
Recently, in a circular, ECHS has ordered all beneficiaries to submit a self declaration regarding not to indulge any malpractice related to unauthorised use of ECHS card/benefits. After a few days , ECHS has suspended the orders/system of submission of self declaration form. In this regard beneficiary veterans have submitted representations to take action in … Read more
Filing incorrect Income Tax Returns (ITRs) can have serious consequences, especially for Indian Armed Forces personnel. Recent incidents have highlighted the importance of accurate tax filing within the defense community. Recent Incidents Involving Armed Forces Personnel Consequences of Incorrect ITR Filing Importance of Accurate and Timely ITR Filing To avoid these consequences, Armed Forces personnel … Read more
India’s Defence Sector Takes a Giant Leap Towards Self-Reliance In a major push to modernise and indigenise India’s defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed significant contracts worth ₹2,500 crore under the ‘Buy (Indian – IDDM)’ category. The deals include procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked version and 5,000 advanced light … Read more
The Indian pension community can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Amid growing anxiety surrounding the Finance Bill 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has issued a strong and clear statement in the Rajya Sabha: “There will be no reduction, amendment, or disruption in current pension benefits for either central government or defence pensioners.” This … Read more
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was established to honor the service of our veterans by ensuring they and their families receive accessible, quality healthcare. But today, many ECHS beneficiaries find themselves in a troubling situation—being held accountable for the misuse of their ECHS cards, even when they have no control over how these cards … Read more
Briefing on Meeting with Secretary Pension A recent meeting was held with the Secretary Pension to discuss various issues pertaining to pension management and reforms. The session covered key topics including policy revisions, administrative improvements, and the financial sustainability of the pension system. Key Discussion Points Recommendations and Decisions Pension System Reforms The meeting concluded … Read more
The Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued Circular No. 03/2025, detailing the Income Tax Deduction from Salaries during the Financial Year 2024-25 under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This circular provides guidelines for employers regarding tax deduction at source (TDS) on … Read more
In a significant development, the Indian Army and the State Bank of India (SBI) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16 January 2025, ensuring financial security and benefits for serving personnel, including Gentleman Cadets and pensioners. The renewed MoU will remain valid for three years, extending its benefits until 15 January 2028. This … Read more
In a significant move, the Chandigarh Administration, in line with the decision of the Punjab Government, has issued a stay order on the recovery of the commuted value of pensions for retired government employees. This decision, outlined in an official communication from the Finance Department, brings relief to pensioners who have completed 10 years of … Read more
What is UPS and who are eligible ? The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued the 2025 regulations for the operation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS). This notification establishes a structured framework for implementing UPS for central government employees covered under NPS. Chapter I: Preliminary … Read more
Introduction The Battle of Parbat Ali was a crucial engagement during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. This battle, fought with immense courage and strategic brilliance, played a significant role in the overall success of the Indian Armed Forces. The bravery displayed by Indian soldiers in this battle remains an inspiring chapter in military history, yet … Read more
Disabled soldiers who sustain injuries during service often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. To support these brave individuals, the government provides ex-gratia benefits—a financial assistance scheme designed to ensure their well-being and economic stability. This article explores the eligibility, benefits, application process, and significance of ex-gratia payments for disabled soldiers in India. 1. … Read more
The Veterans Achievers Award is a prestigious recognition dedicated to honoring the extraordinary contributions of retired military personnel. This award celebrates their continued service to the nation in various fields, including social work, entrepreneurship, governance, and community service. Objective of the Award The primary aim of the Veterans Achievers Award is to acknowledge and encourage … Read more
The issue of additional pension benefits for Central Government pensioners has been a subject of significant discussion. In response to an unstarred question (No. 2991) raised in the Lok Sabha on March 19, 2025, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions provided insights into the existing eligibility criteria, the rationale behind it, and the … Read more
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has taken a significant step in enhancing medical support for veterans by empaneling Renova Soumya Cancer Centre, a unit of Bhavani Health Care Services Pvt Ltd, in Secunderabad, Telangana. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the empanelment, its implications, and the benefits it offers to ECHS beneficiaries. Background … Read more
UNIFORM PROCEDURE FOR CHANGE OF NAME /DATE OF BIRTH IN PENSION PAYMENT ORDER (PPO) A case was taken up by Service HQ for simplification and adopting uniform procedure for Change of Name/Date of Birth of retired personnel and their dependents in Pension Payment Order (PPO) of all three Services. A Tri Service Committee was convened … Read more
Misuse of ECHS Cards : Take Action by all Exserviceman As circulated by ECHS authority, recent reports indicate that empanelled hospitals, in collusion with some beneficiaries, are misusing ECHS cards. As per the initial Self-Declaration signed by primary beneficiaries, any misuse of their or their dependent’s card will lead to cancellation of membership without notice. … Read more
ENDORSEMENT/ CHANGE/ CORRECTION NAME & DOB OF SPOUSE IN PPO/ SPARSH The Spouse of an ESM is the first claimant of Pension & Entitlements on his/ her demise. It is important that details of spouse are correctly notified in PPO. There are elderly Veterans who retired when such provisions were not existing and many later … Read more