CDS: New disability rules will protect interests of genuine beneficiaries

He added that the revised entitlement rules will be applicable for those armed forces personnel who retired after September 21 and the norms will not be retrospectively implemented.

The new rules, titled ‘Entitlement Rules (ER) for Casualty Pension and Disability Compensation Awards to Armed Forces Personnel, 2023’ – were based on recommendations of a study involving the three services – Armed Forces, Medical Services and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.

“The aim of the study was to protect the genuine interests of personnel who become disabled during service while preventing the exploitation of its liberal provisions from misuse,” General Chauhan told the media. Navy Chief R Hari Kumar, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Vice Chief of Army Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar were also present in the briefing.

As reported first by The Indian Express, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had asked the defence ministry to analyse disabilities among soldiers after finding out that nearly 40 per cent of the officers, and 18 per cent of personnel below officer rank who retire every year were drawing disability pensions. Following this, the new rules were brought out.