Armed Forces set up panel to examine disability pension

New Delhi: The Armed Forces have set up an inter-services panel to look into the increase of disability pension among their personnel.

Department of Military Affairs (DMA) headed by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan constituted the panel, which will be headed by the Army's Adjutant's General.

The decision to form the panel has come after the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released a report last month that rapped the rise of disability pensions of retired officers, especially of medical officers.

The report said, "The percentage of personnel retiring with disability to the total retirees ranged between 36% and 40% in case of officers, and between 15% and 18% in case of PBORs."

A medical downgrade following a disability entitles a soldier to better retirement benefits. On an average, for the same rank, a disability pension can be 20% to 50% more than a normal one, plus the income tax exemption.

The CAG report pointed out that the percentage of those from the medical wing was significantly higher among the army officers who were granted disability pensions. It raised concerns about disability pensions being awarded on account of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

The report emphasized,"Further, 22% and 13% of the disability pensions granted to officers and PBORs, respectively, were exclusively on the grounds of lifestyle diseases."

"The ministry may ensure that a complete database with all relevant information is maintained to carry out an analysis of the main reasons of disability, including lifestyle diseases among the defence forces, for possible corrective action," it added.

As per the government orders, Armed Forces Personnel who is invalided out from service on account of a disability which is attributable to or aggravated by Military service is  granted disability pension consisting of service element and disability element.

The rate of disability element for 100% disability shall be 30% of emoluments last drawn by the individual. For lower percentage of disability, the disability element reduces proportionately.

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