ECHS Facilities For Injured Young Cadets
Cadets who join prestigious institutions like NDA, OTA and IMA with the aspiration to serve the nation, often suffer lifelong disabilities but were currently not eligible for ECHS as they are not granted ex-servicemen (ESM) status.
New Delhi:The defence ministry has extended Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) facilities for officer cadets who are seriously injured during military training and are not able to join services as officers.
Cadets who join prestigious institutions like NDA, OTA and IMA with the aspiration to serve the nation, often suffer lifelong disabilities but were currently not eligible for ECHS as they are not granted ex-servicemen (ESM) status.
"This measure is applicable to cadets who have been medically boarded out prior to completion of training and is also extendable to future similar cases. Considering the humanitarian nature and financial burden on families, the Government has approved quality medical care for such cadets without creating a precedent for other categories, " said defence ministry.
The one-time subscription fee (`1.2 lakh applicable to ESM officers) will not be charged from the officer cadets towards joining the ECHS.
"While a small number of cadets annually are affected, the financial and emotional burden on their families is significant," said defence. In such instances, the practice is to extend a monthly ex gratia payment to such cadets. In addition, based on the extent of disability (20 per cent to 100 per cent), a monthly ex-gratia disability award is also made available to such cadets. With this approval, these cadets will now be eligible for availing cashless and capless healthcare facilities under ECHS.