New Delhi: Govt on Friday approved extension of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme (ECHS) to around 500 officer cadets who over the years have been boarded out of military academies on medical grounds after being injured during rigorous physical training.The one-time Rs 1.2 lakh subscription fee applicable to ex-servicemen officers for joining ECHS will not be charged from officer cadets, a defence ministry official said. Cadets who join National Defence Academy, Officers Training Academy and Indian Military Academy were till now not eligible for ECHS as they are not granted ex-servicemen (ESM) status on being boarded out before completing their training.“While a small number of cadets annually are affected, the financial and emotional burden on their families is significant. In such instances, the practice is to extend a monthly ex gratia payment to such cadets,” the official said.“In addition, based on the extent of disability (20-100%), a monthly ex gratia disability award is also made available to such cadets. With this approval, these cadets will now be eligible for availing cashless and capless healthcare facilities under ECHS,” he added.