TREATMENT TO PARENT ON ADD ON CARD

A number of requests from environment are being received to issue add on cards for dependent parents of ECHS members. Henceforth, add on card for dependent parents may be issued by the Regional Centres depending upon the merit of the case. Our letter under ref may be amended accordingly.

All Polyclinics have been advised to entertain add on cards issued for dependent parents accordingly
for details check http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/Treatment%20to%20parent%20on%20addon%20card.html

VOLUNTARY SUSPENSION/CANCELLATION OF ECHS MEMBERSHIP

Some cases have come to notice that AFVs after becoming members of ECHS have taken up emp in Central/State Govt which have their own med schemes. Hence they are requested to place their ECHS membership in suspension/cancellation in case they are drawing benefit of Central Govt/State Govt/PSUS/PMF funded scheme.

2. In such cases ESM must deposit their ECHS smart cards with Regional Centre ECHS alongwith all particulars of post retirement employment. The ECHS contribution is non-refundable.

3. The Regional Centres are to keep such ECHS smart cards in safe custody till such time ESM is employed with other Govt deptt. The same will be reactivated once the ESM chooses ECHS and does not take any benefit from any other Govt run medical scheme on final completion/retirement of his service with Central Govt/State Govt/PSUS/PMF. http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/voluntry%20suspension.htm

ECHS MEMBERSHIP TO COAST GUARD PENSIONERS

All uniformed Coast Guard pensioners drawing pension/disability pension / family pension as per Pension Pay Order (PPO) will be eligible for ECHS membership.

FOR FULL DETAILS CLICK ON http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page38.htm

EXTENSION OF EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME TO THE RETIRED PERSONNEL OF DEFENCE SECURITY CORPS

Introduction. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme introduced vide Govt of India, Ministry of Defence letter No 22(1)01/US (WE)/D (Res) dated 30 Dec 2002 has further been extended to the retired personnel of Defence Security Corps, through a Corrigendum issued vide Govt of India, Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare letter No 22(68)/2006/ US(WE)/D (Res) dt 22 Jan 08. With the issue of ibid corrigendum, all the facilities of ECHS as applicable to the ex-servicemen will be applicable mutatis mutandis to the retired personnel of Defence Security Corps.

Applicability. The scheme will be compulsory for all retired personnel of Defence Security Corps (including TA retirees who were not eligible earlier) who have been transferred to pension establishment on or after 22 Jan 2008. Those persons who retired earlier than 22 Jan 2008 may join ECHS as per their discretion.

DSC personnel who have already retired from DSC service prior to the issue of corrigendum under GOI, Min of Def, department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare letter No 22(68)/2006/4S(WE) D (Res) dt 22 Jan 2008, will approach their nearest Polyclinic /Stn HQ for obtaining ECHS applications and further processing of the same.

http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page37.htm

REVISED POLICY ON ECHS APPLICATION FORM/ISSUE OF DUPLICATE SMART CARD(S)/TEMPORARY RECEIPT FOR DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED FOR ECHS MEMBERSHIP DOCUMENTS

Receipt of Application, Vetting and Issue of ECHS Membership Cards. Initial application duly completed alongwith all relevant documents in respect of eligible pre 01 Apr 2003 retirees ex-servicemen will be deposited with nearest Stn HQ/Regional Centres in person. After vetting of applications, a temporary receipt duly signed by designated officer at Stn HQs will be given to the individual which will be valid for taking medical treatment till the receipt of the ECHS Smart Card(s). The vetted application form then will be forwarded to dependent Regional Centre. On receipt of the documents final scrutiny will be carried out at Regional Centre which will arrange the manufacturing of ECHS Smart Cards through nominated Vendor. On receipt of ECHS Smart Cards the same will be forwarded to the dependent Stn HQs for further handing over to the applicant. The serving personnel will continue to process their applications through respective record offices, i.e
MP5-6 (for Army Officers)/Air HQ (for AF Officer)/AFRO (for AF PBOR)/ NHQ (for Naval Officers) / CABS (for Naval
PBOR)/ CGHQ (For Coast Guard Officers and PBOR). The application form duly vetted must then be sent by the concerned Record Office to concerned Regional Centre for manufacturing of ECHS Smart Cards. The receipt of the documents will be retained by them for further handing over to the individual in case Smart Card is not ready for handing over prior to retirement. Detailed procedure for filling up/handling of application forms are given at http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page40.htm

ECHS HELPLINE

On dirns of COSC, it was directed vide letter under ref to create helplines for ESM on ECHS matters at all stations. It was also confirmed that the action has been completed.

3. However it has been observed that the helplines are not doing their job efficiently resulting in inconvenience to the ESM. As a result ESM are contacting IHQ of MoD (Army) directly even for minor issues. Some stations have even given the telephone Nos of appointments at IHQ of MoD (Army) as helpline Nos.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page39.htm

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENTS : ECHS MEMBERSHIP

It is observed that ECHS membership is refused to eligible ESM for their bonafide handicapped children who are unable to earn their livelihood on the grounds that necessary endorsement of grant of family pension in the PPOs is not made.

It should be appreciated that a bonafide handicapped child unable to earn his livelihood is eligible for ECHS membership for life. The only mandatory requirements are:-

(a) Publication of Part II Orders for inclusion of birth of child in Record of Service.

(b) Endorsement by civil Surgeon/Appropriate Service Medical Authorities for ascertaining the disability.

Considering the above though an ESM may be advised to get necessary endorsement made in the PPO which is in his own interest and that of the child but it will not be a mandary requirement for grant of ECHS membership. http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page36.htm

AMPLIFICATION ON ECHS MEMBERSHIP FOR RE-EMPLOYED OFFICERS

As per referred letter the ECHS membership of re-employed personnel is kept under suspended animation since he is authorised all medical facilities from Armed Forces Medical Services as applicable to serving personnel. This was done to ensure that no Govt employee can be member of two Govt medical schemes concurrently. Representations have been received from the re-employed personnel regarding denial of appropriate medical facilities to their dependents since dependents of Service Personnel cannot be referred to empanelled facilities particularly at Non-Military stations. They have also represented against their contribution getting locked up without any interest since they are not availing ECHS facilities during re-employment.

ECHS is not a stand alone Scheme. It is an extension of Armed Forces Medical Services. As per Govt policy all ECHS members are to first fully utilise Armed Forces Medical Services facilities available in the station before being referred to empanelled facilities.

In view of the above following fresh guidelines will apply in case of re-employed officers, both pre and post 01 Apr 03 retirees chekc link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/Amplificationon%20ECHS%20Membership.htm

AMENDMENT TO SAMPLE OF AFFIDAVIT WITH APPLICATION

The following may please be added in page No 11 of application form :-

Add Para 12 as under

I understand that the contribution I am making is a one time token amount and is non-refundable even if I do not make use of any ECHS facilities.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/Amendment%20to%20application.htm

TREATMENT OF SENIOR CITIZENS

The following will be treated as Senior Citizens :-

(a) Males - 75 Yrs & above.

(b) Females - 70 Yrs & above.

check link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/treatment%20of%20senior%20citizen.htm

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENT SON (S)

The restriction on upper age limit of dependent son (s) was removed based on the stay granted by Hon’ble Delhi High Court in Civil Miscellaneous Petition No 115/97 and Civil Writ Petition No 2542 of 1996. The same has now been lifted by Delhi High Court and the Civil Writ Petition stands dismissed.

Consequent to receipt of Office Memorandum from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it has been decided to re-fix the age limit of dependent son (s) as following:-

“ Till he starts earning or attaining the age of 25 years whichever is earlier.”

check link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page34.htm

TIMINGS OF ECHS POLYCLINICS

Broad guidelines for timings of ECHS Polyclinics have been laid in the referred letter. It is reiterated that OPD registration in all polyclinics be stopped at 1430h daily. This would enable referrals to be generated upto 1500h. Thereafter the polyclinic would have one hour (i.e from 1500h to 1600h) dedicated for its interior economy which includes data entry and processing of reimbursement bills submitted by hospitals and individuals. However all emergency cases will be handled till 1600h or till the polyclinic closes, whichever is later.

The timings are reqd to be strictly followed for local patients. At the same time due consideration should be given to patients, who have come from far distance and be attended to accordingly.

Check link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page31.htm

POLICY ON ISSUE OF DUPLICATE SMART CARD(S)

Submission of photocopy of the ECHS Smart Card alongwith application for issue of Duplicate Card henceforth will not be a must though it will still be desirable for speedy issue of duplicate Smart Cards. However the applicant should give details of old lost cards for early processing. If he cannot provide the details he be told that issue of New Smart Cards will take longer time.

Check link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page33.htm

ELIGIBILITY ECHS MEMBERSHIP : MERGER OF PENSION WITH SECOND SERVICE

Cases have also come to notice where on retirement many pensioners after taking up a second career with Central Govt/State Govt/PSUS/PMF, have opted to merge their pension with the second service. Armed Forces Veterans (AFV) who have retired after completion of terms of engagement and later opted to merge their pension with the second career do fulfill the eligibility conditions of being a pensioner. In such cases following documents may be accepted as proof:-

(a) Certificate from current/last employer clearly stating that his previous pension (from service in Armed Forces) has been merged with current pension.

(b) Copy of PPO, if available or Pension Book/Discharge Book in respect of PBOR.

(c) Service Particulars Retired/Released Officer’s (Booklet) in respect of officers.

Check link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page32.htm

IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPREME COURT ORDER - Pre 1996 RETIREES

All Ex-Servicemen who are drawing pension from Controller of Defence Accounts and who have retired prior to 01 Jan 1996 are exempted from payment of contribution under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. However, they will continue to apply for membership. All documents except MRO will be submitted alongwith application form.

MOD has been requested for instructions on refund of contribution in respect of those pre 01 Jan 1996 retirees who have already joined ECHS. Decision and procedure for the same will be intimated as and when received from the Government. pLEASE CHEKC THE LINK
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page29.htm

POLICY FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES

Central Organisation ECHS is receiving various suggestions/queries/complaints directly from Armed Forces Veterans/ Ex-Servicemen Leagues/ Associations etc. The complaints are eventually being investigated by the concerned Station HQs/Regional Centres and Command HQs. This at times results in time consuming and non obligatory involvement of higher HQ whereas the same could be addressed/resolved at Stn HQ itself. It also results in delay in resolving the issues.

To obviate the avoidable delay and speedy clearance of the issues, it is suggested that a wide publicity be given to the Armed Forces Veteren and various Ex-Services Leagues/ Association that all suggestions/queries/complaints be directly addressed to concerned Station HQ/Regional Centre for resolving the issues. Matters pertaining to policies could be referred to Central Organisation ECHS directly.

check the link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page30.htm

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENT SON (S)

Unemployed and wholly dependent son is permitted to be included as dependent. Details must be included in the service record of the pensioner. However, to avail the medical facilities beyond the age of 25 years the ESM pensioner/family pensioner will annually certify the dependency of his/her son through an ‘Affidavit’ on attaining the age of 25 years. This implies that a wholly dependent son is permitted to avail medical facilities irrespective of age provided that ESM pensioner certifies his dependency annually commencing from the age of 25 years
check the link http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page28.htm

CLARIFICATION ON TERM ‘FAMILY’ FOR ENROLMENT INTO ECHS

Mentally/Handicapped Children are permitted to be member of ECHS for life. Eligibility conditions for grant of ECHS membership in respect of such children have been stipulated vide Para 3(e) (i) to (iii) of our letter under reference. However, few ESM are finding it difficult to get the disability certified by a Service Classified Specialist especially those who retired prior to inception of ECHS.

Click the link for details of new certificate that is required to be submitted.http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page27.htm

CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC: ALL INDIA

It has been represented by a number of ECHS members that the procedure for seeking change of address and parent polyclinic stipulated vide our letter under reference is time consuming and inconvenient.

Keeping in view the convenience of ECHS members, with immediate the procedure enumerated in http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page24.htm

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENTS : ECHS MEMBERSHIP

As per the existing instructions, an ESM pensioner/family pensioner is permitted to
include names of his/her wholly dependent children for grant of ECHS membership. However, names of such children should be found recorded in the service records of the ESM pensioner. For children born after retirement or for some other reasons if the names of children are not endorsed in the Service Records during the service; an ESM is required to approach his Record Office for endorsement of names of his children through publication of Non Effective Series of part II Orders. Provisions exists for publication of Record Office NE Part II Orders within three years ie up to Aug 2007 for getting necessary Part II Orders published by affected ESM has been granted by the competent authority.

3. Notwithstanding the above, cases have come to light wherein an ESM has expired and the names of children are not found recorded in the service records of the deceased soldier. The names of such dependent children can not be recorded in the service records of the deceased soldier as per rules on the subject. As result some widows whose husbands or orphan children whose parents did not get the necessary Part II Orders published, are facing difficulties in seeking ECHS membership. To ameliorate the difficulties of affected widows and such orphans children, the procedure as mentioned in http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page26.htm

TREATMENT OF SENIOR CITIZENS

All members of ECHS are retd members and very soon will become senior citizens. However at the same time, some old and sick people need to be given priority at ECHS Polyclinics.

2. It has been decided that in future patients above 75 yrs of age, will be treated as senior citizens in the ECHS Polyclinics and will be given priority. The senior citizens will be attended out of turn at reception, examination by doctors and issue of medicines.

POLICY ON SUBMISSION/ACCEPTANCE OF ECHS APPLICATION FORM WITHOUT PPO FOR PRE-1986 RETIREES

It has been reported that Veterans who have retired prior to 1986 are facing difficulties in obtaining duplicate copy of their PPO. The primary aim of attaching a copy of PPO with ECHS Application Form is to verify the veracity of being an Ex-Serviceman pensioner alongwith particulars of recipient of eligible family pensioner ie name of spouse and special child, if any. The status of being a pensioner and that of his/her spouse can also be established from DPDO/Bankers certificate and other details ie name of spouse etc could be ascertained from discharge book of the individual.
In view of the above the ECHS Application Form in respect of pre-1986 retirees may be accepted without a copy of PPO provided membership applied by Armed Forces Veteran pensioner is only for himself/herself and his/her spouse (the status of being a pensioner could be ascertained from DPDO/Banker's Certificate). for details chekc link
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page23.htm

CLARIFICATION ON TERM ‘FAMILY’ FOR ENROLMENT INTO ECHS

ECHS has been launched to provide comprehensive medicare to all ESM in receipt of pension or disability pension, as also to his/her dependents, which includes wife/husband, legitimate children and wholly dependent parents. The Scheme is also applicable to NOKs of deceased pensioners who are drawing family/special family /liberalised family pension.

3. Eligibility Status of dependents has been amplified earlier and is reiterated in the link

http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page21.htm

ELIGIBILITY FOR JOINING ECHS : RECRUITS EARNING DISABILITY PENSION

1. Please refer to this Organisation letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dated 11 Jan 2005 and letter of even No dated 17 Feb 2005.

2. It is clarified that a Recruit who is in receipt of medical/disability pension is alone eligible to join the ECHS. The following dependents of the recruit are NOT permitted to be included for ECHS benefits :-

(a) Parents.

(b) Wife.

(c) Children.

3. The recruit who was already married prior to joining the training at the Regimental Centre would be permitted to have his wife and children, if any, included as his dependents. This fact would be checked from the Part II Order published. However, the parents of such a recruit would not be entitled to be shown as dependents.

4. The cases of Recruits who have already joined ECHS will be reviewed accordingly and names of dependents, if any, will be deleted immediately.

5. All instructions on the above subject issued earlier are hereby superseded.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dt 22 May 2006.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page20.htm

CLARIFICATION ON ECHS MEMBERSHIP WHEN HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE DEFENCE PERSONNEL

1. There were a No of issues which come into effect when both husband and wife are defence personnel or one of them is a defence person and other is a Central Govt employee. The issues also included whether one or both parents can be made members of the ECHS.

2. We had taken up the case with the MOD and clarifications have been issued vide MOD letter No 22(20)05/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 10 Feb 2006(copy attached). In brief it contains the following clarifications:-

(a) When Both Husband and Wife are Defence Pensioners

(i) Only one has to give ECHS contribution.

(ii) Both can cover their respective parents by making two ECHS contributions.

(b) When one is a defence person and other is a Central Govt employee, the latter has the choice to withdraw from CGHS when
the spouse becomes a member of the ECHS.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS DO letter No B/49701-MOD/AG/ECHS dt 24 Feb 2006
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page19.htm

CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC: ALL INDIA EXCEPT NCR

The concept of Parent Polyclinic for ESM has been introduced, so as to collate a database and cater to a known ESM load at the ECHS Polyclinic. This will ensure better and more efficient OPD facilities. However, due to various reasons, ESM may require to change their address/polyclinic dependency. The procedure for change in Delhi/NCR has already been laid down vide this office letter of even number dated 27 May 05. The procedure for change of address/polyclinic dependency for the rest of the country is enumerated in succeeding paragraphs.
2. The member is to submit the following to Stn HQs nearest to the new address:-
(a) An application on plain paper giving reasons for change.

(b) A fresh application form with relevant columns filled and superscribed ‘CHANGE OF ADRESS’ on top.

(c) Affidavit as per format endorsed on Rs. 10 non judicial stamp paper duly notarized.

(d) Enclose the old cards duly cut into 2 pieces.

(e) Deposit Cash/DD @ Rs. 90/- per card requested.

For Rest of the details please click the link.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page42.htm

POLICY ON AVAILING ECHS FACILITIES BY ESM PENSIONERS ON JOINING DSC

ESM Pensioners Who Have Retired On or After 01 Apr 2003. ESM pensioners of Armed Forces who have retired from Armed Forces on or after 01 Apr 2003 are compulsory ECHS members and are in possession of ECHS Smart Cards. DSC Records will retrieve ECHS Smart Cards of such Ex-Servicemen and will dispatch the same by courier to Central Organisation ECHS for cancellation of their membership. These personnel will apply for fresh ECHS membership three months prior to their discharge from DSC Service.

(b) ESM Pensioners Who Have Retired On or Before 31 Mar 2003. ESM pensioners of Armed Forces who have retired from Armed Forces on or before 31 Mar 2003 are permitted to join ECHS on a voluntary basis. However, these ESM pensioners are also NOT permitted to utilize medical facilities of two Govt Schemes simultaneously ie Service Hospital facilities and ECHS facilities. DSC Records would ascertain details of persons who are ESM pensioners and are serving in DSC and have joined ECHS and would recover ECHS Smart Cards from them. Smart Card colleted from such DSC persons would be forwarded to Central Organisation ECHS for cancellation. These persons will also apply afresh for grant of ECHS membership without making fresh ECHS Contribution six months prior to their discharge from DSC Service.

http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page18.htm

VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENTS OF OLD RETIREES (PRIOR 01 APR 2003)

It has been realized that policy issued vide our ibid letter has NOT been taken in correct spirit and few persons are taking undue advantage for instance, a case has been reported than an ESM pensioner showed his dependant parents as per the policy quoted in the ibid letter and availed facilities for his points on the basing ECHS Application receipt issued by Stn HQ. However, on verification by the Regional Centre ECHS from the concerned Record Office, it was revealed that the applicants parents names were not existing in his record of service which is an attempt of falsification of documents. Necessary action is being taken against the ESM pensioner.

In view of the above our letter reference may please be treated as cancelled.

Hence forth NO repeat NO ECHS Application will be accepted without verification/Part II Order dependents from respective Service Headquarters (Army HQ(MP5/6, MPRS(O)), NHQ(PDOP), Air HQ (DPS) for Officers and Record offices/CABS/AFRO for PBOR for verification.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 28 Jun 2005.

http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page17.htm

ADDITION/DELETION OF NAMES OF MEMBERS/DEPENDENTS FOR ECHS

1. The issue of addition/deletion of dependants of an ESM and management of ECHS Smart Cards has been addressed adequately, however it is seen that the implementation of the guidelines has been subject to different interpretations. In order to prevent any ambiguity, amplifications on the above are enumerated in succeeding paragraphs.

2. Addition of Dependent A newly born child/parents becoming dependant on the ECHS member subsequent to retirement, will require the member to submit a Part II order published by the respective Record Office. In the case of divorced/widowed daughter becoming dependant on the ECHS member, the divorce paper or death certificate respectively will have to be submitted. In all these cases the ESM has to submit a fresh application along with the documents and master card for issue of new cards.

3. Deletion of dependent In the event, wherein the ECHS member dies, his/her spouse can continue to the use the Master card, however the option lies with the spouse to get a new card made by filling up a fresh application form in order to get a smart card on his/her name. However in the case of demise of dependant the deletion can be made at any polyclinic, but if an add on card has been issued to that dependent, it will have to be returned to the Stn HQ from where the card was initially issued for cancellation.

4. Deletion of Ineligible Members. Deletions can be done at the Polyclinic level itself. Sons above 25 years of age will be automatically deleted from dependency. Married/employed daughter is to be intimated by the member to the polyclinic.

5. It is requested that the contents of this letter be disseminated to the environment.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701/AG/ECHS dt 09 Mar 2005.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page16.htm

ELIGIBILITY FOR JOINING ECHS: OFFICER CADETS

Regarding the officer cadets, who get injured during training and are boarded out on medical grounds, it is clarified that they are only given a disability award and not disability pension. This is because his service during training period is not counted for pension purposes and therefore he is not eligible for the status of Ex-serviceman.
Keeping the above in view it is ruled that such officer cadets are NOT eligible for ECHS.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS DO letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dt 16 Feb 2005.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page15.htm

ELIGIBILITY FOR JOINING ECHS: OFFICER CADETS

Regarding the officer cadets, who get injured during training and are boarded out on medical grounds, it is clarified that they are only given a disability award and not disability pension. This is because his service during training period is not counted for pension purposes and therefore he is not eligible for the status of Ex-serviceman.
Keeping the above in view it is ruled that such officer cadets are NOT eligible for ECHS.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS DO letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dt 16 Feb 2005.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page15.htm

ELIGIBILITY CRITERION FOR ECHS MEMBERSHIP: DEPENDANT CHILD WITH PERMANENT DISABILITY

ECHS caters for Medicare of all Ex-Servicemen in receipt of pension as also dependents to include wife/husband, legitimate children upto the age of 25 years and wholly dependent parents. In addition, unmarried / unemployed / divorced / widowed daughters and permanently disabled sons who are dependent on the member are entitled benefit of membership.

2. The criteria for granting eligibility on the basis of permanent disability are as under :-

(a) Onset of disability should be prior to attainment of 25 years of age.

(b) Permanent disability should be certified by Service Classified Specialist as per format of certificate enclosed at Appendix A.

(c) The condition of disability should be mentioned in the records of pensioner and the disabled dependent son should be eligible for family pension.
gO THROUGH THE LINK FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page14.htm

VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENT

1. There have been number of queries being sought regarding the mode to be adopted to verify the dependents of the prospective ECHS member.

2. It is a indisputable fact that Part II order/personal occurrence is the sole means to authenticate all casualties viz, birth, marriages etc therefore this document should remain to verify the dependents. While proceeding on discharge all the relevant entries of the retiree are recorded on the discharge book with Part II order No. This gives the details of dependents of the pensioner, while he was in service.

3. However, if any personal occurrence is required to be published in case where there is a birth/marriage after the retirement of an individual, there exists a provision where in Part II Orders are published by Record Offices even for the retired personnel. This has been again confirmed by the Record Offices recently, on the contrary it has been observed that retired personnel do not keep their respective Record offices posted with any such personal occurrence.

4. Keeping the a/m in view, it is directed that Part II orders should be checked for any dependent and if details are not in discharge book then it must be authenticated by the concerned Record office. In case no such Part II orders has been published the ESM should be advised to get the part II order published through their Record office.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 13 Oct 2004.

http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page12.htm

ECHS MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS

ISSUE OF MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO



1. ECHS members and their dependents have been approaching this office for policy letters on issue of medical certificates. Type of medical certificates being asked for are at appendix attached.

2. It is clarified that ECHS authorities are NOT empowered to issue any medical certificate except as provided for in the GOI/MOD policy letter.

3. In case any ECHS member requests for such certificates he/she should be directed to approach other authorised departments/Service Hospitals. ECHS Polyclinics are akin to MI Rooms and are NOT authorised to issue any certificate.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 04 Aug 2004.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page11.htm

EXEMPTION OF PAYMENT OF ECHS CONTRIBUTION BY UNMARRIED SOLDIERS

Vide their letter GOI/MOD had only exempted “war widows”, ie, wives of deceased soldiers. Cases of a “spouse/husband” of woman officer/PBOR was not covered nor were cases of “unmarried deceased soldiers”. This issue has been deliberated upon at this HQs and it is confirmed that all categories in receipt of “liberalised family pension” are covered.

3. The above would cover:-

(a) “War Widow”

(b) “Spouse/Husband” of a deceased woman Officer/PBOR covered by actions in category “D” or “E”.

(c) “Parents, ie, mother & father” of unmarried deceased soldier, provided they are in receipt of Liberalised Family Pension.

(d) In case parents at 4 (c) above are deceased, then “NOK” of unmarried deceased soldier, provided he/she are in receipt of Liberalised Family Pension.
http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/policy/ops/op_page10.htm

ECHS : AVAILING OF ECHS FACILITIES BY RE EMPLOYED OFFICER

It is clarified that the Scheme is in vogue wef 01 Apr 2003 vide GOI/MOD letter No 22(1)/01/US(WE)D(Res) dated 30 Dec 2002, and personnel retiring from service and fulfilling the undermentioned two conditions automatically become members of ECHS on their date of retirement:-

(a) That he/she should be an Ex-Serviceman, i.e, have served in the Armed Forces of India, as a combatant or non-combatant ,
in any rank.

(b) That he/she should be in receipt of pension/family pension/disability
pension from CDA authorities through a PPO.

3. Since all ranks retiring on or after 01 Apr 2003 become compulsory members of the Scheme, deduction of their contribution will take place at source, and will be reflected in their PPO, irrespective of whether they plan to take up re-employment or not. The entire procedure for submitting application forms for issue of ECHS cards will commence between 4-12 months in advance of date of retirement, and this schedule also does not take into account whether an individual is seeking re-employment or not. Such retiring personnel are, in any case, required to attach copy of their PPO in proof of their ECHS contribution having been deducted at source. SMART CARDS will be issued to reach their units 7-15 days before their retirement, as & when the system stabilizes. Till such time this time schedule is achieved, HQs/units receiving the Cards will be responsible for delivery to concerned personnel at their address of retirement.

4. Therefore, for the purposes of the Scheme , all ranks of the services who seek re-employment after retirement are deemed to be members of ECHS and can use the issued SMART CARD and ECHS facilities, alongwith their dependents who are eligible as per ECHS rules.

EXEMPTION OF PAYMENT OF ECHS CONTRIBUTION BY “WAR WIDOWS”

Vide MOD letter No 22(1)/01/US(WE)D(Res) dated 08 Mar 04 (copy enclosed), the Government of India has sanctioned exemption of payment of ECHS contribution by “War Widows”, that is, those who are in receipt of Liberalized Family Pension.

2. A “War Widow” is one whose spouse has died due to any of the actions listed at Appendix to this letter.

Appendix
(Ref Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-WW/
AG/ECHS dt 24 May 04)

ECHS : EXEMPTION TO WAR DISABLED PENSIONERS FROM PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTION

The Govt has now given out the nine conditions under which the disability could have been sustained and issued letter No PC to 24(2)/05/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 07 Feb 2006

ELIGIBILITY FOR ECHS IN RESPECT OF ESMs WHO JOINED PSUs BEFORE COMPLETING PENSIONABLE SERVICE

It has been decided that such affected officers, who meet the twin conditions, shall be eligible to enroll as ECHS members. The following additional conditions will have to be complied with by these ESMs:-

(a) Since the Govt rules prohibit an individual from taking benefit from two schemes, a certificate to this effect/entry at new Para 10 of Affidavit will be mandatory, where it must be stated that “I certify that I am not a member of any other Govt/PSUs medical health scheme”.

(b) The calculable pension slab for determining contribution will be based on the pension entitled to the rank held by the individuals at the time of release, and NOT on his restored pension amount. In other words, they will be required to pay an amount similar to the current pension of the rank held at the time of retirement. For example, Wg Cdr ‘A’ joined Pawan Hans in 1989 and was granted fully commuted pension. He shall have to contribute as per the current authorised pension of a Wg Cdr, ie Rs 9190/- and hence, the contribution amount shall be Rs 18,000/- in the case of Wg Cdr ‘A’.

ECHS CONTRIBUTION BY WIDOWS OF SERVICE PERSONNEL

1. A case was referred to this Headquarters for clarification whether ECHS contribution amount by “widows” of Service personnel, is to be calculated as per “Enhanced Pension” rate or “Basic Pension” rate.

2. All widows are initially paid ‘Enhanced Family Pension’ in cases where the death of the Service Personnel is attributable to Military Service. However, this enhanced family pension is subsequently reduced to ‘Basic Family Pension’ which is much lesser than the enhanced family pension.

3. The matter has been examined and it has been decided that contribution for ECHS, by such affected widows, will be based on the amount of “Basic Pension” which will be subsequently drawn by them, and NOT on the ‘Enhanced Family Pension’.

Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 30 Sep 2003.

Entitlement for ECHS.

Entitlement for ECHS. The Scheme caters for medicare to all ESM in receipt of pension or disability pension, as also his/her dependants, which includes wife/husband, legitimate children and wholly dependant parents. The scheme is also applicable to NOKs of deceased pensioners who are drawing family/special family pension