Sources said Gandhi, a committee member, noted that ex-servicemen face admission and treatment denials in private facilities due to pending government dues when referred from military hospitals.
He questioned the sufficiency of ₹75,000 assistance for cancer or kidney treatments, calling it grossly inadequate and urging an increase.Gandhi also raised concerns over low employment rates—only 1.9 percent in government jobs despite provisions for 10-25 percent reservation—and insufficient health budget allocations.
The session, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, reviewed resettlement policies, healthcare facilities, and job avenues for ex-servicemen. Committee members discussed broader issues, including absorbing more retirees into public sector undertakings, as around 60,000 soldiers retire annually.
These points underscore ongoing challenges in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and resettlement directorates. The 31-member panel, with 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha representatives, examines defence ministry functioning.
Gandhi's intervention amplifies calls for enhanced support, potentially influencing policy recommendations. As veterans' welfare remains a priority, the committee's findings could prompt budgetary or procedural reforms in upcoming sessions.
