Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was launched 01 April 2003, all thanks to the efforts of late Jaswant Singh, who was Defence Minister in Vajpayee Govt & later Finance Minister. Jaswant Singh was an ex Indian Army Major himself from the National Defence Academy.
Jaswant Singh was as Armoured officer from the Central Indian Horse (CIH) regiment. His cousin. Lt General Hanut Singh was Commandant at Poona Horse.
Defence Ministry was resistant towards the ECHS scheme & the file was not being cleared.
When Jaswant Singh entered Finance Ministry on Mar 31,2003, his first conversation with the Finance Secretary
JS : Mr Finance Secy (FS) I understand clearance of MoD proposal for ECHS has been doing the rounds for last one year, and is not being cleared by our Ministry.
FS: Yes, Sir - They’re asking for too much. How can we fund such an expensive enterprise?
JS : Are you suggesting the PM made a hollow promise to the Service Chiefs?
FS: No Sir, I didn't imply that, but as guardians of the Treasury it is our charter to prevent wasteful...
Jaswant Singh: Mr Secy, I want the file approved today and the DGL signed before the day ends, or you can find yourself a new job!
Maj Jaswant Singh ensured funds not allowed to lapse on 31 Mar 2003 &ECHS had the finances from Day 1,but not the financial &bureaucratic processes
He inaugurated the very first ECHS Polyclinic in India - in Barmer- his own constituency.
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