The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), under the Ministry of Defence, has launched a socially significant initiative titled “Project ECHS – Sewa Aur Samman” with the objective of strengthening support services for ECHS beneficiaries through structured volunteer engagement. To recognise and honour voluntary service rendered under this initiative, eligible volunteers are awarded the AWAA Certificate, symbolising dignity, appreciation, and community participation within the ECHS ecosystem.
This article explains the background, objectives, scope, and operational framework of the Project ECHS – Sewa Aur Samman initiative, based strictly on official communication issued by the Central Organisation ECHS.
Issuing Authority and Reference
The initiative and directions for its wide publicity have been issued by:
Central Organisation ECHS
Adjutant General’s Branch
Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army)
Thimayya Marg, Near Gopinath Circle, Delhi Cantt – 110010
Reference Number: B/49706–Sewa Aur Samman/AG/ECHS/2025
Date: 22 December 2025
The communication is addressed to All Station Headquarters (A/ECHS) for necessary dissemination and action.
Objective of Project ECHS – Sewa Aur Samman
The primary objective of Project ECHS – Sewa Aur Samman is to:
- Strengthen support mechanisms for ECHS beneficiaries
- Improve service delivery through volunteer participation
- Foster a sense of ownership, dignity, and community involvement within the ECHS framework
The initiative aims to supplement institutional functioning by engaging motivated individuals in voluntary service, thereby enhancing beneficiary experience across ECHS facilities.
Scope and Eligibility for Volunteer Participation
Volunteer service under this initiative is open to individuals from all segments of society, with special emphasis on participation from the Armed Forces community, including:
- Wards of serving Armed Forces personnel
- Spouses of serving Armed Forces personnel
- Wards of retired Armed Forces personnel
- Spouses of retired Armed Forces personnel
- Other eligible family members of serving and retired Armed Forces personnel
The inclusive nature of the initiative ensures wider social participation while retaining its core focus on the Armed Forces ecosystem.
Role of Station Headquarters and RWAs
To ensure maximum outreach and participation, all Station Headquarters (Stn HQs) have been directed to undertake wide and sustained publicity of the initiative in coordination with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) within Military Stations.
Publicity measures include:
- Display of informational pamphlets and posters at prominent locations
- Visibility at CSD Canteens
- Display at Sainik Institutes
- Circulation through RWA offices
- Display at ECHS Polyclinics (where feasible)
- Use of RWA notice boards, WhatsApp groups, and periodic meetings
These efforts are aimed at encouraging eligible individuals to register and actively participate as volunteers.
Volunteer Registration Process
Volunteers can register themselves through the ECHS Beneficiaries App, which serves as the official digital platform for enrolment under the initiative.
To facilitate easy understanding of the registration process, a video guide has been provided. The guide assists potential volunteers in completing early registration and understanding procedural aspects related to volunteer enrolment.
AWAA Certificate: Recognition of Voluntary Service
Volunteers who actively participate under Project ECHS – Sewa Aur Samman are awarded the AWAA Certificate. This certificate serves as:
- Formal recognition of voluntary service
- A symbol of appreciation for contribution to ECHS beneficiaries
- A mark of dignity and commitment to service within the Armed Forces welfare framework
The award of the AWAA Certificate reinforces the ethos of service and acknowledges the collective effort of volunteers in strengthening healthcare support for veterans and their families.
Administrative Directions
All Station Headquarters have been instructed to forward the initiative for wide publicity and ensure coordinated action across Military Stations. Sub Area Headquarters and Regional Centres of ECHS are also informed for necessary action and information dissemination.
The initiative is monitored and coordinated at the central level by the Central Organisation ECHS, ensuring uniform implementation across regions.
Conclusion
Project ECHS – Sewa Aur Samman represents a structured and inclusive approach to volunteerism within the Armed Forces healthcare ecosystem. By engaging family members and the wider community, the initiative strengthens service delivery, promotes shared responsibility, and recognises voluntary contribution through the award of the AWAA Certificate. This initiative reflects a meaningful step towards community-driven support for ECHS beneficiaries while upholding the values of service, dignity, and collective participation.
