New Pension Rules: The Defense Ministry has currently clarified its position on the concerns raised by ex-servicemen regarding the new revised eligibility criteria for disability pension rules.
The Defense Ministry has currently clarified its position on the concerns raised by ex-servicemen regarding the new revised eligibility criteria for disability pension rules. Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan said on Friday that the new eligibility rules for granting disability pension to Armed Forces personnel are aimed at protecting the interests of the people and creating a fit army.
He said that the new rules have been introduced after long discussions between the three services and there will be no change in the emoluments (amount or fees) of war widows, family pensioners and veterans. His statement came after protests by veterans and many ex-servicemen organizations against the new rules.
To whom will the rules apply?
He said that the revised eligibility rules will be applicable for those armed forces personnel who have retired after September 21. Meanwhile, these norms will not be applied retrospectively. The new rules titled ‘Eligibility Rules for Casualty Pension and Disability Compensation Awards for Armed Forces Personnel (ER), 2023’ – are based on the recommendations of a study involving three services, including the Armed Forces, Medical Services and the Department of Ex- Serviceman Welfare was involved.
Purpose to protect interests
General Chauhan said that the objective of this study is to protect the interests of those personnel who become disabled during service. Apart from this, one of its objectives is to prevent misuse of liberal provisions. Navy Chief R Hari Kumar, Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary and Deputy Army Chief Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar were also present at the briefing.
According to The Indian Express, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had asked the Defense Ministry to analyze disability among soldiers after it was revealed that about 40 per cent of officers and 18 per cent of personnel below officer rank suffer from disability every year. Are retired, who are receiving disability pension.
