29 December,2025 05:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Rahul Gandhi urged the government to address these gaps to ensure proper care and support for veterans. PIC/PTI
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday raised concerns over multiple issues faced by ex-servicemen, including shortfalls in recruitment, difficulties in accessing medical treatment, and insufficient allocation of healthcare funds, during the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence meeting, sources told news agency ANI.
Gandhi highlighted the challenges ex-servicemen face in private hospitals, where many deny treatment due to pending government dues. He also questioned the adequacy of financial assistance for serious illnesses, pointing out that ex-servicemen currently receive only Rs 75,000 for cancer and kidney-related treatments.
"How is cancer or kidney treatment possible with such a small amount? The assistance should be increased," said Gandhi.
The meeting's agenda focused on reviewing resettlement policies, healthcare facilities, and other support mechanisms for ex-servicemen, ANI reported. Gandhi, who is a member of the committee, urged the government to address these gaps to ensure proper care and support for veterans.
Earlier, the Lok Sabha LoP had also strongly condemned the racial killing of Tripura student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "normalising hate," which he said leads to such incidents. Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael were attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and blunt objects on December 9, resulting in Anjel's death at a hospital.
"What happened to Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael in Dehradun is a horrific hate crime. Hate doesn't appear overnight. For years it is being fed daily - especially to our youth - through toxic content and irresponsible narratives. It is being normalised by the hate-spewing leadership of the ruling BJP," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.
"India is built on respect and unity, not fear and abuse. We must not become a dead society that looks away while fellow Indians are targeted. We must reflect and confront what we are allowing our country to become," he added.
Expressing solidarity with the Chakma family and the people of the Northeast, Gandhi said, "My thoughts are with the Chakma family and the people of Tripura and the Northeast. We are proud to call you our fellow Indian brothers and sisters."
Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack, including two minors sent to a juvenile reform home, ANI reported.
Police are continuing raids to apprehend an absconding accused, with a reward of Rs 25,000 announced. A team has also been sent to Nepal in search of the absconding suspect, according to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office.
(With ANI inputs)
