New Delhi: The Centre amended the ex-servicemen rules to extend re-employment and reservation benefits to officers of the Military Nursing Service, the Department of Personnel and Training said.
The Department notified changes to the Ex-Servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services and Posts) Rules, 1979. Through this amendment, the government granted ex-servicemen status to Military Nursing Service officers. Officials said the move aimed to ensure parity and formally recognise their contribution.
Under the revised provision, Section 2(c)(i) of the Rules now covered the Military Nursing Service of the Indian Union. The definition included personnel who served in any rank. It applied to both combatant and non-combatant roles. As a result, MNS officers gained the same statutory standing as other uniformed services.
The Military Nursing Service forms a core part of the Armed Forces Medical Services. It functions alongside the Army Medical Corps and the Army Dental Corps. MNS officers serve as commissioned officers across Army, Navy, and Air Force medical establishments. They deliver nursing care in hospitals and during operations. They also support emergencies in difficult and hostile conditions.
Amendment extends post-retirement benefits to MNS officers
With the amendment in force, MNS officers retiring or released from service became eligible for all ex-servicemen benefits. These included reservation and age concessions in Central Civil Services and Posts. They also gained access to other welfare measures under government policy.
Moreover, officials said the reform took effect immediately. It is expected to benefit both serving and retired officers. The government stated that the decision reflected its commitment to ex-servicemen welfare. It also acknowledged the critical role played by Military Nursing Service officers in protecting the health of Armed Forces personnel and their families.
