An SSC officer gets the benefit of 'Ex Servicemen' status and CSD Canteen benefits once retired, but there is some huge shortfall in Policy interpretation for Medical Benefits for Retired SSC Officers.

According to Commander (retd) Ravindra Pathak, member of the Governing Body and the Pension Cell of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM),

“ECHS is extended to those ex-servicemen who receive pension. SSC officers, though ex-servicemen, do not get pension and thus are ineligible for ECHS facilities. On the contrary, they are treated at service hospitals. However, due to shortage of doctors and other staff, service hospitals have been denying entry to retired SSC officers. IESM has also been following up the matter with authorities.”

However, As a technical officer, and a decade of experience in Indian Armed Forces, you will get many opportunities in PSUs and Other Big Industries.

Training and Experience in Indian Armed Forces are regarded high importance in civilian walk of life. Never underestimate the value of time that you served in the Navy, Army, Air Force.

Your armed forces career will have stood you in very good stead for civil employment. The industry recognizes the high level of training, responsibility, reliability and management skills of service personnel. The leadership skills that you acquire will give you a distinct advantage over others in the civil world.

Most of the Technical Officers get nice job opportunities in Shipyards both private and Govt., and other major Public Sector Units, likes of SAIL, BHEL, NTPC, etc.

Currently SSC officers are granted commission for a maximum period of 14 years ( Initial 10 years plus additional 4 years),with option to exit the forces at 10th year (both male and female officers) or to exercise the option to get Permanent Commission (Only for male officers).

• Under Present Condition , Short Service Commissioned Officers are entitled for 10 months and 14 months of reckonable emoluments on exit.
• Also, SSC officers are given Resettlement Training Courses in reputed institutes prior to leaving the service, by Directorate of Resettlement in Department of Ex- Servicemen

Recommendations of 7th Pay Commission : –

1. Changes in Exit options :- Under the given recommendation, SSC officers would be allowed to exit the armed forces anywhere between 7 years to 10 years of his/her service.Also, for male officers , option of exercising permanent commission would be available in 7th year instead of current 10th year.
2. Better Compensation Package : - 7th pay commission is of the view that, compensation packages for existing officers should be made equivalent to there parallel officers in PSUs, who opt for Voluntary retirement. Also, to Incentivise early exit of officers, the package has graded so as to provide greater benefits to SSC Officers leaving Early.
3. Better Exit Training : - SSC officers would be provided with the opportunity to pursue management programs at premier management institutes such as IIMs or M.Tech Courses in premier technical institutes such as IITs, which would be fully funded by Government.

Even though above recommendations are under considerations, most defence sources are of view, that it will get through with not much of amendments. It’s ground implementation of above policies which is making young officers sad.

Keeping Policy implementation and monetary aspect aside, one doesn’t have any concern regarding opportunities, but do give a thought to get a best one out of many opportunities, which will come your depending upon your expertise and talent.

Sources :-

• ECHS
• Amendments Made in Short Service Commission by 7th Pay Commission
• ECHS for SSC ex-servicemen: Contradictory statements by MoD, Army confuse veterans; DSW takes up matter afresh

Thank You.!