Rahul Gandhi Urges Increased ECHS Funding and Tax Exemption on Disability Pensions

Rahul Gandhi has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urging increased funding for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), citing a Rs 12,000 crore pending medical bill and a budget shortfall of nearly 30%. He also called for the withdrawal of new income tax provisions on disability pensions, arguing these pensions should not be taxed as income, especially when disabled servicemen continue to serve. Gandhi highlighted concerns from veterans about financial strain and delayed treatments due to funding gaps.