Govt amends Ex-Servicemen Rules to include Military Nursing Service, extending re-employment and reservation benefits
In a move aimed at ensuring parity and recognising the role and contribution of Military Nursing Service, the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has extended Ex-Servicemen (ESM) status to officers of the Military Nursing Service (MNS). This follows an amendment to the Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services and Posts) Rules, 1979, notified today.
As per the amendment, Section 2(c)(i) of the Rules has been modified to explicitly include the Military Nursing Service of the Indian Union within the definition of an Ex-servicemen. The revised provision now covers personnel who have served in any rank, whether as a combatant or non-combatant, in the Regular Army, Navy, Air Force or the Military Nursing Service, thereby placing MNS officers on an equal statutory footing with other uniformed services for the purpose of post-retirement benefits.
The Military Nursing Service is an integral component of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), alongside the Army Medical Corps and Army Dental Corps. MNS officers are commissioned officers who serve across Army, Navy and Air Force medical establishments, delivering critical nursing care in military hospitals, providing medical support during operations and emergencies, and attending to casualties in challenging and often hostile environments.
With the inclusion of Military Nursing Service in the Rules, MNS officers retiring or being released from service will become eligible for all benefits available to Ex-Servicemen under the government policy, including reservation and age concessions in Central Civil Services and Posts, and associated welfare measures.
The reform is expected to benefit the MNS officers with immediate effect. The amendment reflects the Government’s commitment to continued welfare of Ex Servicemen and acknowledges the vital role played by Military Nursing Service officers in safeguarding the health and well-being of the Armed Forces and their families.
