New Delhi, December 29, 2025
In a pointed critique during a key parliamentary session, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi highlighted systemic failures in the resettlement and healthcare support for India's ex-servicemen, urging immediate reforms to honor the nation's "true guardians." Speaking at the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence meeting, Gandhi decried the meager 1.9% absorption rate of retired soldiers into government jobs—far below the mandated 10-25% quota—and slammed inadequate funding for critical treatments like cancer care, capped at just Rs 75,000. The discussions, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, underscore growing bipartisan concerns over the post-retirement plight of over 60,000 personnel who exit the armed forces annually, amid calls for public sector undertakings (PSUs) to step up recruitment and clear outstanding hospital dues.
### Resettlement Woes: A 'Betrayal' of Promises to Veterans
The committee's agenda zeroed in on reviewing resettlement policies and employment avenues for ex-servicemen (ESM), revealing stark gaps between policy intent and implementation. Gandhi emphasized that despite explicit provisions to reserve 10-25% of government vacancies for former soldiers, the actual uptake stands at a dismal 1.9%, leaving thousands in limbo after years of service. "Around 60,000 soldiers retire every year, but their rehabilitation is not being ensured," he noted, framing it as a failure to provide dignified transitions into civilian life.
Committee members, including Gandhi, pressed the Defence Ministry for detailed data on absorption trends, pointing to missed opportunities in sectors like security, logistics, and administration where ESM skills could thrive. In response, some panelists advocated for mandatory quotas in PSUs, arguing that state-run enterprises must lead by example to bridge the rehabilitation chasm. The meeting, held amid the Winter Session of Parliament, comes as the government touts initiatives like the Agnipath scheme—criticized by opposition for its short-term contracts—but faces scrutiny over long-term veteran support.
### Healthcare Crisis: Private Hospitals Shun ESM Over Unpaid Bills
Gandhi's interventions extended to healthcare, where he painted a grim picture of ex-servicemen battling bureaucratic red tape and financial barriers. He flagged routine difficulties in securing timely treatment at military hospitals, often leading to referrals to private facilities. However, many private hospitals refuse admission or services to ESM, citing massive unpaid dues from the government—estimated in crores—for prior treatments. "This leaves our veterans in a vicious cycle of denial and despair," Gandhi asserted, calling for swift reimbursement mechanisms to restore trust.
A particularly emotive flashpoint was the paltry Rs 75,000 ceiling on reimbursements for severe ailments like cancer and kidney diseases. Gandhi questioned the feasibility of such limits, stating, "How can Rs 75,000 possibly cover the costs of cancer or dialysis treatment? This is grossly inadequate and must be increased without delay." The committee sought clarifications from ministry representatives on expanding polyclinics, enhancing ex-servicemen contributory health schemes (ECHS), and addressing the urban-rural divide in access. While no immediate commitments emerged, the panel's deliberations signal potential recommendations for the upcoming budget to bolster ESM medical infrastructure.
### Broader Context: Honouring Heroes in an Era of Shortfalls
The Standing Committee on Defence, comprising MPs from across the aisle, convened to scrutinize the Defence Ministry's views on ESM welfare—a topic gaining urgency with rising veteran suicides linked to post-service stress and economic strain. Gandhi's presence as a vocal member amplified the opposition's narrative, aligning with Congress's broader push for "Nyay Patra" promises on soldier welfare. BJP leaders, including chair Singh, maintained a focus on data-driven reforms, but the meeting exposed fault lines: while the government highlights digital portals for job listings and ECHS expansions, critics like Gandhi argue these are superficial amid ground-level neglect.
Social media echoed the sentiment, with posts from outlets like ANI and The Federal amplifying Gandhi's calls and sharing visuals of the session. Users on X (formerly Twitter) urged "immediate action over rhetoric," with one viral clip capturing Gandhi's impassioned address garnering thousands of views within hours.
As India eyes self-reliance in defence under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the panel's findings could catalyze policy shifts. With the next budget looming, will Modi's administration heed these veteran voices, or will resettlement remain a footnote? The committee's report, expected soon, may tip the scales toward accountability.
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