Latest news with #Ex-ServicemenContributoryHealthScheme
Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Mohali: Retd Colonel walking his dog robbed at gunpoint
A retired army officer was robbed at gunpoint in Aerocity Block-C while walking his dog, with the robbers making off with his gold bracelet and Apple iPhone. The IT City police registered a robbery case under relevant sections of BNS, and under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act for use of illegal firearms. (HT photo for representation) While the incident occurred on July 20, police lodged an FIR on July 29 after conducting an investigation, a senior police officer said. The victim, Col Gurjeet Singh (retd), is in-charge of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) at Fatehgarh Sahib. On July 20, he was out walking his dog around 6.30 pm, when a black Honda City stopped near him, he told police. A young man stepped out from the driver's side and asked for directions to an immigration agent's residence. While conversing, the man suddenly pulled out a pistol and demanded his gold bracelet and iPhone, Singh alleged. Two turbaned men, aged around 25-26, remained seated in the car. Fearing for his life, Singh said, he handed over both items, after which the robbers fled towards Amity University. Acting swiftly, he returned home and used his daughter's iPhone to trace the stolen device. The iPhone was later found dumped in roadside bushes around 2 km away. Singh reported that the robbers' car had 'MH' on the front number plate. The rest of the plate was obscured with mud, apparently to prevent identification. The car's dashboard bore two small United Kingdom flags. According to Singh, the same car had earlier passed by him around 6 pm on the street and returned after half an hour. He alleged that the same car was involved in a similar robbery on July 9, when Hardeep Singh, another resident of Aerocity Block-D, was robbed at gunpoint, also while walking his dog. Police are investigating the possible connection between the two incidents. The IT City police registered a robbery case under relevant sections of BNS, and under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act for use of illegal firearms. Police are analysing CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits.
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
New ECHS polyclinic inaugurated in Visakhapatnam
A new Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinic, the second of its kind in Visakhapatnam, was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, on Monday. According to a release issued on Tuesday, the first ECHS polyclinic, located at INHS Kalyani, has been serving around 55,000 beneficiaries for over two decades. The newly inaugurated facility reinforces the Indian Navy's commitment to the welfare of Armed Forces Veterans, Veer Naris, and their families, the release said. Equipped with a General Outpatient Department (OPD), Dental Clinic, Pharmacy, and Clinical Laboratory, the polyclinic aims to improve access to quality primary healthcare. It also provides referrals to empanelled hospitals for specialised care when necessary.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Senior officer inspects operational readiness, training standards at MLIRC Belagavi
General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area of the Indian Army, Lieutenant General K.S. Brar visited the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Belagavi recently. During the visit, he inspected the operational readiness and training standards of the Regimental Centre. He was briefed about the substantial strides made in enhancing training and administrative infrastructure, particularly in the context of Agniveer training. He observed training sessions and lauded the centre's unwavering commitment to excellence. He emphasised the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology into training from the foundational stages itself to ensure that soldiers are future-ready and capable of adapting to the evolving battlefield dynamics. Accompanied by Station Commander Brigadier Joydip Mukherjee, he visited various station units of the garrison to assess the overall functional synergy and readiness. During his visit to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic, he interacted with veterans, acknowledging their invaluable service and reaffirming the Army's continued commitment to their welfare. He also visited the Army Public School where he felicitated students who had excelled in sports at various levels, appreciating their achievements and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence. As part of his visit, he also inaugurated the newly established Outpatient Department (OPD) section at the Military Hospital in Belagavi, marking a significant step towards enhancing medical facilities for serving personnel, veterans and their families, said a release.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Arunachal Guv appeals to ex-servicemen to motivate youth to prepare for defence forces
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik has appealed to ex-servicemen to guide and motivate the youth to prepare for a life in the defence forces, thus contributing to the cause of nation-building. Addressing an ex-servicemen rally at Rupa in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district on Saturday, the governor encouraged the younger generation from veteran families to proudly follow in the footsteps of their forebears by joining the armed forces. He praised the remarkable legacy of discipline, patriotism, and commitment that continues to be passed down through generations in these proud families, an official statement from Raj Bhavan said on Sunday. Reaffirming the unwavering commitment to the well-being of veterans, he said the people stand with them, not just in words, but in spirit and in action. Your legacy strengthens the very foundation of our great nation and continues to inspire every generation, he said. Expressing deep respect and gratitude to the veterans, Veer Naris, officers of the Rajya Sainik Board and the proud families of ex-servicemen, Parnaik described them as the living embodiment of India's spirit of sacrifice and patriotism. Acknowledging the immense contribution of ex-servicemen in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, he praised their unwavering discipline, unmatched courage, and the noble way in which many continue to serve their communities even after retirement. Praising the Veer Naris, the governor said that their strength and dignity, in the face of the supreme sacrifices made by their loved ones, are a source of inspiration for the entire nation. Underscoring the importance of welfare and support systems, he urged all ex-servicemen to stay informed and actively avail themselves of the various schemes initiated by the Ministry of Defence, such as pension support, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme , resettlement and skill development programmes, and educational assistance for their children. The governor directed the Director of Rajya Sainik Board to ensure that Veer Naris are extended every possible care and assistance and that the children of our brave martyrs are supported to complete their education with honour and dignity. Gajraj Corps GOC Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, Ball of Fire Division GOC Maj Gen KS Grewal, Rajya Sainik Board director and also secretary Air Commodore RD Mosabi , senior military officers, veterans and Veer Naris from Tawang and West Kameng attended the rally.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Restore medical treatment of ex-serviceman's dependent under ECHS regardless of PWD Act listing: AFT to MoD
Chandigarh: The ministry of defence (MoD) cannot deny medical treatment under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to dependents of a member merely because their ailment is not listed as a disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 2016, according to an Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) ruling. The tribunal also clarified that the authorities are supposed to consider practical as well as compassionate aspects when cancelling or withdrawing any policy or letter and "are under obligation to see that no one is harmed". A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kumar, judicial member, and Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, administration member of AFT Lucknow, passed these orders while allowing an application filed by Sheela Devi, widow of Havildar Ganga Sahay. She sought directions to issue an order to the MoD to continue her son's treatment after a kidney transplant, which was stopped after he turned 25 years, as per a policy letter dated Dec 5, 2017, issued by the ministry of defence (DoESW). The applicant's husband joined the Indian Army in 1974, was discharged from service in 1996, and died in 2003. Thereafter, the applicant was issued an ECHS card, which included all her family members. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Her son, Mohit Kumar, was admitted to the Command Hospital, Lucknow, in Aug 2021 and was diagnosed with 'Advanced Renal Dysfunction with Small Echogenic Kidney' and was advised to undergo a kidney transplant. The applicant donated a kidney to her son, which was transplanted on June 14, 2023, and since then, her son has been under treatment through ECHS. However, she was informed by the authorities that her son does not fall under the PWD Act, 2016, and therefore, he is not eligible for further treatment through ECHS beyond the age of 25. Aggrieved by the authorities' decision, she approached the AFT Lucknow. She contended that after her husband's death, she is in a financial crisis as she does not have any other source of income except a meagre family pension. The counsel for the applicant further submitted that her son's disability (chronic kidney disease) being a renal transplant case was permanent in nature and assessed at 80-90%. He also submitted that the treatment could not be stopped on the grounds of the disease not being included in the list of disabilities under the PWD Act, 2016, as he has been under treatment for chronic kidney disease since Aug 2021. Counsel representing the MoD reiterated that the treatment of the applicant's son was stopped as per rules because the kidney disease is not included in the list of 21 disabilities under the PWD Act, 2016, and her son has crossed the permissible age of 25 years. After hearing all the parties, the AFT held that the authorities acted in a very casual manner without considering the fact that he is suffering from a serious kidney ailment that threatens his life. In its detailed order released last week, the AFT further directed the MoD to restore or restart the treatment, considering it as a special case, and to reimburse the expenses incurred by the applicant in the treatment of her son from the date of stoppage of the treatment until its actual restoration.
