The debate over the alleged discrimination and neglect faced by Released Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs/ECOs) in the Indian Army has once again gained momentum. Raising serious concerns on the issue, former military officer Lt Col Gurparkash Singh Virk questioned the collective accountability of military leadership, bureaucracy, and the government.
He stated that the issue is not limited to pension, OROP, ECHS, or other post-service benefits, but has now become a matter of “breach of trust.” According to him, young officers who dedicated their lives to the nation after undergoing rigorous selection, military training, and disciplined service were denied equal respect and rights after leaving service.
Virk pointed out that for years, SSCOs served shoulder-to-shoulder with Permanent Commission officers in operational areas, administrative responsibilities, and sensitive military appointments. However, after release from service, they were placed in a separate category and forced to fight prolonged legal battles for basic demands such as pension parity, OROP benefits, and adequate healthcare facilities.
He further said that military leadership had been fully aware of the issue for nearly six decades, yet effective corrective measures were never implemented. In his view, military leadership is not confined only to battlefield strategy, but also carries a moral responsibility to protect the dignity, rights, and welfare of subordinate officers.
Virk warned that if the situation continues, it could weaken the trust and attraction of the younger generation towards military services. He emphasized that the real strength of the armed forces lies not only in weapons, but in trust, brotherhood, and mutual respect.
Concluding his remarks, he clarified that his observations were not meant as criticism of the Army, but as an appeal to strengthen its moral foundation. “The respect given to veterans reflects the true dignity of the armed forces,” he said.
