Centre Awards Ex-Servicemen Status to Military Nursing Service Officers
In a historic decision aimed at achieving equality within the armed forces, the Centre has conferred Ex-Servicemen (ESM) status on officers of the Military Nursing Service (MNS). The Ministry of Personnel has officially amended the recruitment rules to redefine Ex-Servicemen, now encompassing MNS officers.
As a result of this amendment, MNS officers will now enjoy the same benefits as their counterparts in the Army, Navy, and Air Force concerning re-employment opportunities and welfare schemes. This decision rectifies a long-standing disparity that previously excluded MNS officers from various post-retirement benefits, despite their commissioned status and active service roles.
Under the updated rules, MNS officers can now access several key benefits:
| Benefit |
|---|
| Reservation in Central Civil Services and other government jobs under the Ex-Servicemen category |
| Age relaxation for competitive examinations |
| Full access to welfare and resettlement schemes administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board |
According to officials, this change acknowledges the essential role that MNS officers play in ensuring the health and operational efficiency of the armed forces. These officers, commissioned into the service of the Union, are deployed in frontline military hospitals, operational zones, high-altitude areas, and on naval platforms.
The MNS, integral to the Armed Forces Medical Services and one of the largest pathways for women officers in uniform, has long advocated for parity in post-retirement benefits. This initiative is being broadly praised as progress towards gender-neutral recognition of military service and equality within the forces.
The notification is effective immediately, enabling thousands of current and retired MNS officers to benefit from these provisions as they transition into civilian careers post-service.
