In a significant move to bolster healthcare support for Indian ex-servicemen living in Nepal, General Upendra Dwivedi recently concluded a five-day official visit to the region, during which he inaugurated new health centers. This initiative aims to enhance the medical welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents through the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
The Indian Army announced that General Dwivedi reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India to the well-being of Indian veterans, highlighting plans to increase the number of ECHS empaneled hospitals. As part of this commitment, two additional ECHS polyclinics have been established, one each in Butala and Dungadhi, bringing the total number of polyclinics in Nepal to 19—up from the previous total of 17 that included six when the program commenced.
During his visit, General Dwivedi participated in an Ex-Servicemen Rally held at the Pension Paying Office in Pokhara, where he engaged directly with Gorkha veterans and Veer Naris, expressing admiration for the contributions of veterans in society. One of the most poignant moments of the rally was his interaction with Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Gopal Bahadur Thapa (retd), the former Subedar Major of his own unit, which highlighted the strong personal connections that exist within the ranks of the veterans.
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The visit was seen not only as a means of enhancing healthcare services but also as a reaffirmation of the robust defense cooperation and cultural bonds that exist between India and Nepal. It emphasized a shared commitment to fostering peace and partnership in the region.
Currently, an estimated 25,000 Nepalese-domiciled Gorkhas serve in the Indian Army’s Gorkha regiments, which encompass 43 battalions featuring both Indian soldiers and those recruited from Nepal. The Gorkha regiments are recognized for their unique military diplomacy and play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral ties. This brigade comprises seven regiments, including the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, and Eleventh Gorkha Rifles. Furthermore, there are about 40,000 Indian and Nepali Gorkha soldiers and approximately 90,000 Indian Army pensioners residing in Nepal.
However, the current status of recruitment for Gorkhas from Nepal has been a subject of concern. Since the introduction of the Agnipath recruitment policy in June 2022, Nepal has yet to finalize its stance on sending youth to join the Indian Army. Reports indicate that recruitment from Nepal has been on hold for a couple of years, leading the Indian Army to explore alternative recruitment strategies, potentially involving tribals from within India who share similar traits as the Gorkhas, in order to maintain the strength of the storied Gorkha Rifles.
Through these initiatives and discussions during the visit, the Indian Army demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of veterans and the importance of the historic ties that bind India and Nepal together.
