The Supreme Court on Thursday recorded the Centre’s assurance that cadets discharged from military academies due to training-related disabilities will now receive medical benefits under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Prashant Kumar Mishra was informed by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that beginning August 29, all such “invalidated” or “out boarded” cadets had been brought under the ECHS. Importantly, the one-time subscription fee of ₹1.20 lakh, normally applicable to officers, has been waived for these cadets.
Taking note of the submission, the bench directed the Centre to complete registrations by September 15. It also appointed senior advocate Rekha Palli as amicus curiae to assist in the matter.
“The government of India… has extended medical facility in the form of ECHS to all invalidated out boarded cadets, without charging any subscription fee,” the bench observed, appreciating the Centre’s “positive response.”
Concerns On Financial Assistance
While welcoming the health scheme extension, the court also raised questions about the adequacy of the ex gratia payments and insurance coverage. It noted that the current ex gratia—enhanced in 2017—needs a fresh review considering inflation and rising medical costs.
On insurance, the court remarked that existing cover “may not be adequate” and suggested exploring enhancements for cadets injured during training.
Bhati informed the court that in the event of a cadet’s death, families currently receive ₹12.5 lakh as a one-time ex gratia and a monthly pension of ₹9,000. She added that cadets are already part of subscription-based insurance schemes such as the Army Group Insurance Fund, under which premiums are paid by service personnel.
Call For Resettlement Options
The bench also emphasized the need for a medical reassessment and resettlement scheme for discharged cadets. “These are educated people who cleared the entrance exam. They are capable of some or the other kind of job… If some sort of desk job can be given, it should be explored,” the judges observed.
Background
The matter arises from a suo motu case initiated by the Supreme Court on August 12, following a media report highlighting the plight of cadets injured during training at premier institutions such as the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
According to the report, around 500 officer cadets have been medically discharged since 1985, many facing mounting medical bills with only a modest ex gratia payment—often as low as ₹40,000 per month depending on disability levels. At NDA alone, 20 cadets were discharged between 2021 and July 2025.
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