Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 November 2023
The Government Pensioners’ Association in Andaman & Nicobar Islands had pressed for Government of India to extend the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) facilities and CS (MA) Rules, 1944 to pensioners of Union Territories.
The association had highlighted several critical appeals to the government:
1. Reevaluate the situation and issue a fresh Office Memorandum (OM) in clear terms enabling the reimbursement of medical claims for pensioners and their dependent family members residing in the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. Allow the reimbursement of airfare for pensioners requiring medical attention along with an attendant.
3. Enable the settlement of medical reimbursement claims of pensioners through the department where they last served under CS (MA) Rules, 1944.
4. Reconsider the decision made by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in 2017 to exclude UT pensioners from CGHS. The demand was to grant all pensioners, including those retiring from UTs and presently residing in different States/UTs, access to CGHS benefits without any discrimination.
Responding to the appeals and considering the association’s representations, coupled with judgments in CAT (Central Administrative Tribunal) cases filed by former employees of the A & N Administration, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, issued OM No. Z.16025/03/2021/CGHS-III/EHS dated 13.11.2023. This order restores the CGHS facilities to the pensioners of the UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
While the Government Pensioners’ Association appreciates and welcomes this decision, it emphasizes that several other demands, especially regarding reimbursement of medical treatment costs and airfare for pensioners in A&N Islands, remain unresolved with the Government of India.
The association reiterates its commitment to pursuing these demands and aims to persist until a satisfactory resolution is achieved. It calls for the continued cooperation of all its members in these endeavors, including any potential future agitation.
The reinstatement of CGHS facilities marks a significant step forward for pensioners in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, yet the pending demands underscore the ongoing efforts needed to secure comprehensive benefits for these retirees.