Raghav Chadha Questions Budget 2026 Provisions on Disability Pensions for Soldiers

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha has raised concerns over provisions in the Union Budget 2026 related to the taxation of disability pensions for armed forces personnel, calling the policy “unjust and discriminatory.” 

In a strongly worded statement, Chadha highlighted the sacrifices made by soldiers, noting that they often spend major festivals like Diwali and Eid on the borders, away from their families, and sometimes suffer life-altering injuries in service to the nation.

He argued that disability pensions should not be treated as taxable income, but rather as compensation for injuries sustained during duty. Criticizing the current provisions, Chadha pointed out what he described as an inconsistency: the tax treatment of disability pensions depends on whether a soldier retires immediately after injury or continues in service.

“Two soldiers with the same injury and the same sacrifice are being treated differently,” he said. “One receives a tax-free disability pension, while the other—who continues to serve—is taxed. This effectively penalizes those who serve longer.”

Calling for policy reform, Chadha emphasized that “sacrifice cannot be measured in tax slabs,” urging the government to adopt a uniform and fair approach toward all injured soldiers.

The issue has sparked debate over the broader framework of military compensation and the need to ensure equitable treatment for armed forces personnel.