A key parliamentary panel has raised concerns over the “large” number of armed forces officers retiring with disability pensions, urging the Ministry of Defence to delve into the root causes and implement remedial measures.
The Public Accounts Committee tabled a report on Disability Pension in the Indian Army on February 8, highlighting that 40% of officers retiring with disability pensions, with one-fifth attributed to lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus, is alarming given the mandatory physical fitness requirements in the armed forces.
Expressing dismay over the prevalence of lifestyle diseases among armed forces personnel, the committee stressed the need for the Army Medical Corps to address these health issues and minimize their occurrence.
Data presented to the committee indicated that disability rates among officers retiring from service ranged between 36% to 40%, whereas for personnel below officer rank (PBOR), it ranged from 15% to 18%.
Further analysis revealed that a significant percentage of disability pensions, 21.69% for officers and 13% for PBOR, were granted due to lifestyle diseases.
The committee also noted variations in the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes across different branches of the armed forces compared to national averages, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Responding to queries regarding the higher number of officers compared to PBOR, the ministry explained that officers tend to retire at an older age, leading to a higher incidence of lifestyle-related disorders in their later years. The average retirement age for officers is 54 years, significantly higher than the 35 years for PBOR.
Addressing concerns about the new Entitlement Rules 2023, which aim to streamline the process of disability compensation, the committee emphasized their role in ensuring fair compensation for genuine disability cases while maintaining the integrity of the system.
Despite debates within the service community, the committee underscored the importance of these rules in promoting physical and medical fitness among armed forces personnel.
As the armed forces continue to grapple with the challenges posed by disabilities among retiring officers, the parliamentary panel’s recommendations underscore the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the health and well-being of India’s military personnel.
