In a landmark move toward parity within the armed forces, the Centre has granted Ex-Servicemen (ESM) status to officers of the Military Nursing Service (MNS). The Ministry of Personnel has issued a formal notification amending existing recruitment rules, expanding the definition of Ex-Servicemen to include MNS officers.
With the amendment, MNS officers will now be treated on par with their counterparts from the Army, Navy and Air Force for purposes of re-employment and access to welfare schemes. The decision ends a long-standing anomaly that had excluded MNS officers—despite their commissioned status and operational deployments—from several post-retirement benefits.
Key benefits extended
Under the revised rules, MNS officers will be eligible for:
- Reservation in Central Civil Services and other government jobs under the Ex-Servicemen category
- Age relaxation for competitive examinations
- Full access to welfare and resettlement schemes administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board
Officials said the change recognises the vital role played by MNS officers in maintaining the health and operational readiness of the armed forces. Commissioned into the service of the Union, MNS officers serve in frontline military hospitals, operational areas, high-altitude locations and on naval platforms.
Long-awaited recognition
The MNS, a core component of the Armed Forces Medical Services and one of the largest avenues for women officers in uniform, has long sought parity in post-retirement benefits. The move is being widely welcomed as a step toward gender-neutral recognition of military service and institutional equality within the forces.
The notification takes immediate effect, paving the way for thousands of serving and retired MNS officers to benefit as they transition into civilian roles after completing their service.
