The Supreme Court of India has made an important appeal to the Union Government — to create a proper safety net for cadets who suffer permanent disability during military training. The court has suggested introducing an insurance scheme along with ex-gratia financial support so that young cadets are not left without dignity or livelihood.
What the Court Said
A bench of Justices observed that disabled cadets face a unique hardship. They are unable to complete their service careers, yet their injuries occur in the line of duty. Currently, there is no structured system to safeguard them financially.
The court noted that while families of soldiers killed in service receive compensation, cadets disabled during training often fall into a policy gap. To address this, it urged the Ministry of Defence to:
- Frame an insurance scheme specifically for cadets during training.
- Provide structured ex-gratia payments for those permanently disabled.
- Ensure cadets are not abandoned for circumstances beyond their control.
Current Situation
Cadets at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), and other defence institutions do receive stipends during training. However, there is no guarantee of financial protection if they are injured and deemed unfit for service.
This has left many disabled cadets and their families without pension, insurance, or employment support — causing financial and emotional distress.
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India invests heavily in grooming future officers, but when cadets are disabled during training, it is both a personal tragedy and a policy gap. A proper support system could:
- Provide financial stability to disabled cadets.
- Assure families that their children will not be left unsupported.
- Reinforce the nation’s moral responsibility towards its youth in uniform.
Possible Way Forward
Experts believe the government can close this gap by:
- Launching a group insurance scheme for cadets, similar to that of serving officers.
- Creating a pension-like stipend for cadets medically boarded out due to disability.
- Extending rehabilitation and reskilling support, so affected cadets can serve in civilian roles.
Why This News Matters
The Supreme Court’s observation shines a spotlight on a crucial missing link in India’s defence welfare system. Supporting disabled cadets is not just about money — it is about dignity, fairness, and responsibility.
The next move lies with the Centre. Whether it chooses to turn this judicial appeal into a formal welfare policy will decide the fate of countless cadets who sacrificed their health in service of the nation.
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