The facilities that are offered to Air Veterans are described here. PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK/COLOUR CHANGED HEADINGS AND SCROLL DOWN THE SOURCE GUIDE TO SEE MORE OF THESE FACILITIES, INCLUDING DETAILS OF THE AGENCIES IN THE COURSE OF ASSISTANCE.

TATA DEFENCE WELFARE CORPUS SCHEME (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

TATA Defence Welfare Corpus Scheme was created under the aegis of Army Central Welfare Fund to provide grant for higher education to widows and children of service personnel killed in operations and wives and children of service personnel disabled in operations and all armed conflicts.

HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

 MOBILITY EQUIPMENT (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

Financial assistance for purchase of mobility equipment to disabled soldiers such as motorized scooter, wheel chair or Artificial Limb is up to Rs.50,000/-. The applications for grant is required to be made on prescribed proforma to Dte of PS, through Zila Sainik Boards. The details of the scheme, if required can be had from Dte of PS at Air Headquarters.

 POST RETIREMENT INSURANCE COVER (2005) (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

 All officers, Airmen and NCs (E) retiring/proceeding on release including those discharged on medical grounds w.e.f. 31 Mar 05 with serving/retiring pension will be eligible for the membership of scheme.

Note: Full cover is for 15 years from the date of retirement and 50% of full cover upto the age of 72 years, whichever is earlier.

RETIRED PERSONNEL INVESTMENT SCHEME (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)Retired personnel and NoK of deceased AF personnel are eligible to become member of this scheme.

• Schemes       :           cumulative & non cumulative
• Deposits        :           Initially for 3 years

Renewal for 1/2/3 years (optional)

Min Rs.30,000 – Maximum upto retirement Benefits in multiples of Rs.10,000

• Rate of interest is declared every year based on earning of the society

For current year the rate of interest on Cumulative Scheme is 9.5% and for non-cumulative 9.5%

• Tax is deducted at source as prescribed by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) unless form 15H is submitted.
• Premature withdrawal permissible for any unforeseen commitments.
• Loans against FD is permissible upto the extent of 75% of deposit amount, the rate of interest will be charged 1% higher the rate declared on Non-Cumulative Scheme. Present rate of interest is 10.2% pa.

HOUSE BUILDING LOAN(AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

Personnel retiring with less then 10 years of left over service can opt to repay during their service period plus 10 years after retirement. They are required to deposit the outstanding loan amount plus 10% extra as on date of retirement in Retirement Personnel Investment Scheme (RPIS) of Air Force Group Insurance Society and remit the loan EMI directly to AFGIS.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO WORLD WAR II VETERANS/WIDOWS(AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

IAFBA extends financial assistance to World War II veterans, widows who are aged and living in penury. Under this scheme, monthly grant subject to a maximum of Rs. 2,000/- pm is paid till life.

DWELLING UNITS AND HOUSING SUBSIDY FOR WIDOWS(AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

The aim of the scheme is to alleviate the sufferings of the widows of serving personnel who die in accident.

w.e.f. 01 Oct 2008 the housing subsidy has been enhanced to Rs. 3 lakhs and Rs. 2 lakhs is admissible to the bereaved wife of the officer and Airmen/NCs (E) for acquiring dwelling unit from AFNHB/AWHO/Civil Housing Scheme/Private builders and self construction. The subsidy is funded by AFGIS/IAFBA/AFWWA(C) and CWF in ratio of 60:20:10:10 respectively. The application should be addressed to Secretary, AFGIS, Subroto Park, New Delhi – 110010.

CONCESSIONS BY AIR FORCE WIVES WELFARE ASSOCIATION (AFWWA)

 The details of the schemes run by AFWWA are enumerated as under:

Ex-Gratia Payment for Widow’s Rehabilitation Ex-gratia payments as death grant of Rs. 6,000 are paid to the member on demise of her husband. In the case of death while in service the grant is paid to the member in grief by the last unit or nearest unit (where widow is residing). The amount is reimbursed by AFWWA(C) for the member whose husbands die after retirement, this grant is paid by AFWWA(C) on receipt of an application from the widow.

AFWWA Pension. An amount of Rs.1,000/- p.m. for six months is paid as AFWWA Pension to the widow who is a member of AFWWA and whose husband dies while in service. The last unit pays the amount of Rs. 6,000/- in one lump sum, which is reimbursed by AFFWA(C) subsequently.

Wedding Grant.     An amount of Rs. 7,000/- is given as a grant for marriage of one child of a widow who is a member of the AFWWA on receipt of application by AFWWA(C) alongwith the Wedding Card and a certificate from the Registrar of Marriage/Village Panchayat. In case if it is not feasible to get the certificate from the Registrar/Panchayat, an Air Force Officer may authenticate the application.

Rehabilitation of Widows of NCs (E). Widows of those NCs (E) who die while in service and intend to resettle themselves by tailoring/stitching etc. are eligible for an award of sewing machine. An application for the grant of sewing machine is to be made to the President AFWWA (L) of the last unit. An amount not exceeding Rs. 5,000/- is reimbursed by AFWWA(C) to the unit. The eligibility conditions for sanction of sewing machine will be as follows:

An AFWWA member who is the wife of an NC (E) who dies while in service after 01 Jan 91.

The lady should give an undertaking that she is not in receipt of sewing machine of grant for sewing machine from any other welfare organization.

Medical Assistance. AFWWA members whose husband is boarded out on medical grounds not attributable to service is given a one time grant of Rs. 10,000/- to be paid by the last unit of her husband. The amount is reimbursed to AFWWA (L) by AFWWA(C) as well as concerned AFFWA (R) by sharing the expenditure equally.

Dwelling unit of Widows.   Housing subsidy of Rs. 3 lakhs for widow of Airmen is provided from Non-public Funds for acquiring the Dwelling Unit constructed by AFNHB/AWHO/Civil Housing Schemes/Private builders and self construction. Subsidised dwelling unit cannot be sold for 10 years. AFWWA pays 10% of subsidy. The application should be addressed to Secretary, AFGIS, Subroto Park New Delhi – 110010.

Eligibility

General. Rules of eligibility framed by State Govts, Housing Board, Development Authorities Improvement Trusts or similar bodies entrusted with the work of development of land for housing or for construction of houses in a station by whatever description these may be known, would be over-riding.

Eligibility. The following shall be eligible to register for an AFNHB scheme in the order of priority and sub-priority as given below:-

Priority-I

Widows of Air Force and Naval personnel who die in action

Widows of Air Force and Naval personnel who die in harness.

Priority-II

(aa) Serving and re-employed officers, airmen and sailors of Air Force and Navy who have no prior allotment in any AFNHB schemes.

(ab) Serving Short Service Commissioned Officers of Air Force and Navy, who have no prior allotment in any AFNHB.

Priority-III

(aa)   Widows of retired Air Force and Naval personnel who are in receipt of family pension.

(ab) Retired Air Force and Naval Officers, Airmen & Sailors who are in receipt of pension.

Priority-IV

(aa) Serving Air Force & Naval personnel and their widows who are allottees of an AFNHB scheme.

(ab) Retired Air Force & Naval personnel and their widow in receipt of pension/family pension who are allottees in AFNHB scheme.

(ac)    AFNHB staff who have completed 10 years of continues service in AFNHB and who have not been allotted by DU in any AFNHB scheme; restricted to one DU in their entire service career.

PLACEMENT SERVICES    (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

A placement website (afwwaservices.co.in) has been launched to assist the members for availing jobs.

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

Financial assistance by way of scholarship is granted to one child of a widow for a period of six years or till the completion of studies, whichever is earlier. The mother of the child should be a life member of AFWWA. The application on prescribed form duly recommended by the School/College authorities is to be submitted to AFWWA(C) for the award of scholarship. The rates of the scholarships are as follows:

• School going day scholars                             Rs.150/- p.m.
  • School going boarders                                    Rs. 250/- p.m.
  • College going day scholars & Boarders Rs. 250/- p.m.
  • College going borders for Medical &            Rs. 450/- p.m.

Engg Course

 SCHOLARSHIP FOR PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL COURSES(AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

Scholarship for Professional/Technical Courses. Sixty children of serving Officers, Airmen and NCs (E) who are not in receipt of any other scholarship, are given financial assistance of Rs.5,000/- (one time only) by AFWWA for engineering & Medical courses. The eligibility conditions and the main criteria for grant of the scholarship are:

• Mother of the child should be an AFWWA member.
  • The child should have secured 80% and above marks in the qualifying exam i.e. 12^th and has taken admission in Medical/Engg courses.
  • Perference will be given to girl child.
  • Financial status of the family will be taken into consideration. Application on prescribed form is to be submitted to AFWWA(C) through AFFWWA (R) latest by 30 November every year. Twelve scholarships are reserved for children to Air Force Officer.

 EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF NCS(E)  (AIRFORCE PERSONNEL)

Educational Scholarship for children of NCs(E)    Every year 60 children of serving NCs(E) are given scholarships @ Rs. 150 p.m. per child. The eligibility conditions for award of the scholarship are as follows:-

• Mother of the child should be an AFWWA member.
  • The child should be studying in a class above 5^th std & upto 12^th std only.
  • The child should be studying in recognized school or an Air Force School.
  • Only one child per family is eligible
  • The student should not be in receipt of any other scholarship/freeship from any other Welfare Organization/Institution.

The application on prescribed form is to be submitted to AFFWWA (C) through AFWW (R) latest by 30 September every year.

• AFWWA Silver Jubilee Scholarship The scholarship @ Rs.150/- p.m. for two yeas i.e. for class 11^th & 12^th are given to the children of AFWWA members who score 85% marks & above based on the CBSE result of Class 10^th Std. However, continuation of scholarship will depend upon the progress made by child, if the child scores more than 75% marks in 11^th std.

• Scholarship for Vocational Training This scholarship in lump sum of Rs.4,800/-, as one time grant, is awarded to the widow/children of deceased Air Force personnel undergoing Vocational Training in a Recognized Institute (Diploma/Certificate course of not less than six months). The widow should be an AFWWA member. The application should be forwarded to AFWWA (Central) through AFWWA (R)s alongwith proof of admission in the institute. The expenditure will be borne equally by respective AFWWA (R) and |AFWWA(C).

• Canberra Scholarship The scholarships are awarded to two students studying in Class-XI & XII and are restricted to the children of Airmen serving in 106 SRS. The scholarship amount is Rs.3000/- per student p.a. which is given once a year. OC 106 SRS assists in the selection of children and forwards the names to AFWWA(C) in the month of August every year.

• Late Air Chief Marshal PC Lal Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship @ Rs.1000/- (lump sum) as one time grant is awarded to one Disabled student, ward of serving AF personnel. The application is to be submitted to AFWWA (R) latest by 30^th September every year. The eligibility conditions are as follows:

• Mother of the child should be an AFWWA member.

• The student should have passed 12^th Std and obtained admission for graduation in a recognised college.

• Medical certificate of handicapped child from competent authorities.

•  application is to be submitted to AFWWA(C) through AFWWA (R) latest by 30^th September every year.

• Late Flt Lt MS Sarin Memorial Scholarship. Two scholarships @ Rs.1200/-

p.a. are awarded to two handicapped children (one boy and one girl) of airmen who are studying in Special Wing of AFGJI, Delhi. The period of scholarship is one year. The scholarship is awarded during Annual General Body Meeting of the Association on the recommendation received from AFGJI. The names selected by AFGJI should reach AFWWA(C) by 30^th September every year.

• Late Wg Cdr AS Puranik Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded @ Rs.2500/- to a student of standard IXth onwards till completion of studies. The ward should be a child of serving Airman/NC(E). The application is to be submitted to AFWWA(C) through AFWWA(R) latest by 31^st August.

• Late Mrs Amarjeet Kaur Memorial Scholarship     A     scholarship has been instituted in memory of Late Mrs Amarjeet Kaur. An amount of Rs. 8,500/- as one time grant will be given to two special children of the Umeed Vocational Centre (Special Wing, AFGJI). Administrator of Umeed will recommend names of deserving students latest by 31 August to AFWWA(C).

• Scholarship for Sportsmen/Artists A scholarship has been instituted for outstanding sportsman and artist at Central Level for the children of serving Air Force personnel who excelled at National Level and get 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd position. The rates and eligibility criteria for the scholarship are as follows:

• Rates.

1^st – Rs. 10,000/-

2^nd – Rs. 5,000/-

3^rd – Rs. 3,000/-

• Criteria.

(aa)        The mother of the child should be a Life Member of AFWWA.

(ab)       The child should be excelled at National Level.

(ac)        The duration of scholarship is one year only.

The application is to be submitted to AFWWA(C) through AFWW

(R) latest by 31 August every year.

1. Contact for Assistance   For further details and assistance Hony Jt Secy at any AFWWA Regional/Local may be contacted. Hony Jt Secy AFWWA (Central) may be approached at the following address if considered necessary.

Hony Jt Secretary, AFWWA(C) Santushti Shopping Complex

New Wellington Camp, Opp Ashok/Samrat Hotel Race Course, AF Station New Delhi – 110 003 Tele: 011-26878099

Fax:      011-24104681

E-mail: afwwa@bol.net.in

CONCESSIONS AND BENEFITS EXTENDED BY STATE GOVTS/UTs TO RETIRED AND SERVING DEFENCE PERSONNEL (ALL STATES)

(PLEASE CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE STATE GOVERNEMENT CONCESSIONS )

EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME (ECHS)

INTRODUCTION

1. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was launched with effect from 01 Apr 2003. It has been established to provide quality medicare to Armed Forces Veterans (AFV) and their dependents through a network of ECHS Polyclinics, service medical facilities and civil empanelled/government hospitals spread across the country.

• The Scheme is financed by Govt of India.

ORGANISATION OF ECHS

• The ECHS Central Organisation is located at Delhi and functions under the COSC through AG and DGDC&W in Army HQ. The Central organisation is headed by Managing Director, ECHS, a serving Major General. Detailed Organisation of Central organisation ECHS is at Appendix ‘H’. There are 13 Regional Centres of ECHS. Their location and contact No. is given at Appendix ‘J’.

• Details of military stations where existing medical facilities have been augmented (Augmented Armed Forces Clinics) and details of Stations where new Armed Forces Polyclinics have been established are at available with Central Organisation ECHS and the Regional Centers of ECHS.

ADVANTAGES OF BECOMING ECHS MEMBER

1. No age or medical condition bar for becoming a member.
2. Life time premium ranges from Rs 1800/- to Rs 18000/- (depending upon basic uncommuted pension).
3. No monetary ceiling on treatment.
4. Free indoor/outdoor treatment, tests and medicines are free of cost.
5. Country wide network of ECHS Polyclinics.
6. Familiar environment and sense of belongingness.

• Covers spouse and all dependents which includes eligible children and parents.

SUMMARY OF SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT DATED 22 AUG 2006 REGARDING MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR RETIRED ARMY MEN

1. In 1999, a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution was filed as Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Confederation of Ex-Servicemen Associations praying for recognizing the right of full and free medicare of ex-servicemen, their families and dependants. The petition came up for hearing before a two Judge Bench during May 1999 and the Bench ordered the matter to be placed before a Bench of Five Judges. The matter was subsequently heard by a Bench of five Judges and judgement was finally given on 22 Aug 2006.

• Supreme court has opined the following:-
  • A Contributory Scheme such as ECHS ‘cannot be held illegal, unlawful or unconstitutional’.
  • One time contribution amount from Rs 1800/- to Rs 18000/- ‘cannot be said to be excessive, disproportionate or unreasonably high. It cannot be held ‘illegal’, unlawful, arbitrary or otherwise unreasonable’.
  • ‘Getting free and full medical facilities is not a part of fundamental right of Ex-Servicemen’.
  • The Court was concerned with the cases of those ESM who have retired before 01 Jan 1996.
  • The Govt should consider granting waiver of contribution by Pre 01 Jan 1996 retiree ESMs or Govt pay contribution on behalf of such veterans.

• Instructions were received from the Govt not to charge contribution from all Pre 01 Jan 1996 retiree ESM in future who want to become members of ECHS in Apr 2007 and the same are being implemented. For the refund of those Pre 01 Jan 1996 retiree ESM who had paid contribution and become members earlier, the case is sub- judice and decision will be intimated once received.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

1. Eligibility For ECHS Membership. The Scheme caters for medical care to all ESM pensioners including disability and family pensioners and their dependents, which includes wife/husband, legitimate children and wholly dependent parents. To be eligible for membership of ECHS a person must meet following two conditions:-
   1. Should have ESM Status.
   1. Should be drawing normal Service /Disability/ Family Pension.

• Eligibility Status for Dependents. The following qualify to be dependents of ESM:-
  • Parents. Father and Mother of the pensioner shall be deemed to be dependent if they normally reside with the ESM pensioner, and their combined income from all sources is less than Rs 3500/-pm. If both husband and wife are Defence Personnel, parents of both members are eligible if both pay subscription subject to meeting dependency criteria. The declaration through an affidavit regarding income of parents should be furnished by ESM once in beginning of every calendar year.

(b)           Spouse

• Legally wedded spouse.(More than one spouse and children from the second spouse are not permitted to avail ECHS benefits).
  • Name should be included in the record of service.
  • Legally separated spouse is included as long as the ESM pensioner is responsible for her maintenance.
  • If the spouse is employed in Govt service then he/she can only be a member of any one Govt/Public sector medical benefit Scheme and not be a simultaneous member of two Govt medical Schemes.
  • If a war widow remarries, then she alone is eligible. Her husband and children from him will not be eligible.
  • In case the ESM pensioner marries after retirement, following documents will be required as proof for dependency of wife:-

(aa) Marriage certificate from authorised Registrar of Marriages/Municipal Committee.

(ab) Fresh ECHS Application Form for enrolling the spouse as a dependent.

(ac) Part II Orders /Gen Form/Personal Occurrence published.

(c)          Daughter(s)

• Her/their details must exist in the service record of the pensioner.
  • Unmarried as well as divorced daughter (s) with total income from all sources less than Rs 3500/-per month.
  • Widowed daughters who are dependant on the pensioner and whose income from all sources is less than Rs 3500/- per month are entitled.
  • In case daughter is born after the pensioner’s joining ECHS, following documents will be required to enable the child to be declared as a dependant and to become entitled to ECHS benefits :-

(aa)   Birth Certificate.

(ab) Fresh ECHS Application Form to enroll her as a dependant.

(ac) Part II Orders/Gen Forms/Personal Occurrence are required to be published stating birth of the child or an Affidavit by the widow in case the ESM pensioner could not get Part II Orders published for birth of his children.

(d)          Son(s)

• His/their details must be included in the pensioners Record of Service.
  • His total income from all sources should not exceed Rs 3500/- pm. Son(s) above   25 years of age are not eligible to be dependent(s) in ECHS.
  • In case where the son(s) is/are born after the pensioner’s joining the ECHS, the following documents will be required as proof of dependency:-

(aa)   Birth Certificate.

(ab) Fresh ECHS Application Form to enroll him as a dependant.

(ac) Part II Orders/Gen Forms/Personal Occurrence stating birth of the child or an Affidavit by the widow in case the ESM pensioner could not get Part II Orders published for birth of his children.

• Children with Permanent Disability. Children suffering from permanent physical or mental disability and are unable to earn their livelihood are permitted to be dependents for life time, irrespective of age limit or medical condition. The certificate of disability is to be certified, by either the Service Classified Specialist or a Civil Surgeon.

• Specific Conditions for Continuance of Eligibility. In case an ESM pensioner (male/female) has declared his/her parents as dependants, they shall continue to receive ECHS benefits for their life time, subject only to the condition that their joint income from all sources does not exceed Rs 3500/-pm from all sources. In the event of the male pensioner’s death, the widow shall be covered as she will start drawing family pension but, her parents will NOT become eligible as dependants. However, parents of the deceased pensioner, if already enrolled as dependants, would continue to enjoy benefits of the ECHS in the event of death of the ESM pensioner, provided their joint income from all sources does not exceed Rs 3500/- pm.

1. Persons NOT Eligible under ECHS. The following are NOT eligible for becoming members of ECHS:-

• Whole time NCC officers who do not meet the twin conditions referred to under Para 1 of this chapter.
  • Ex-ECOs/SSCO’s who do not meet twin conditions referred to at para 1 of this chapter.
  • Legally divorced spouse.
  • Married and / or employed daughters/and any child whose total monthly income from all sources is more than Rs 3500/-.
  • Son(s) above 25 years of age or who have starting earning which ever is earlier.
  • Parents of widow/war widow.
  • Husband of a remarried war widow. Including children born from him.

PROCEDURE FOR BECOMING MEMBER OF ECHS

1. Procedure For Becoming Member of ECHS (Post 01 Apr 2003 retirees) The ECHS membership for post 01 Apr 2003 retirees is compulsory. The contribution amount in respect of these Veterans is being deducted by the pension paying authorities. All documents (less PPO) as per Para 1 (b) above alongwith Application Form will also be submitted by such retirees to their Record Offices.

• Commencement of Membership         An applicant is considered a member of ECHS when his application alongwith all requisite documents is accepted at designated Stn HQ or from the date of retirement for new retirees provided his correctly filled Application Form is accepted by the Record Office.

Notes: – (a) Deduction     of    contribution    by    the    CDA    or                                                deposition               of contribution through MRO is no guarantee for grant of membership

• Identity cards issued by Zila Sainik Board will not be accepted as a proof of identification.

• Fixed Medical Allowance. ESM joining ECHS would cease to be entitled for FMA of Rs 100/-pm as authorised earlier in their PPO. The individuals should approach their Pension Disbursing Authority to ensure stoppages of FMA. ECHS will not be responsible for subsequent lump sum deduction of FMA.

• ECHS is not responsible for refund of excess deposition of contribution. Same should be claimed from the concerned CDA by individuals. ECHS functionaries at Station HQ/ Regional Centres will assist individuals, if requested. The refund of excess remittance of ECHS subscription, if made, will be afforded by the concerned PCDA/CDA to the beneficiaries on receipt of a pre-receipted contingent bill countersigned by the ECHS authorities along with a Xerox copy of the MRO.

• Disposal of Receipt after Receiving Smart Card(s). Once an individual receives the Smart Card(s) his earlier obtained receipt will be returned and preserved alongwith his application Form at the respective Station HQs/ECHS Regional Centre.

4.            Smart Card

• The Card.      A card with a 32 KB chip is being issued to all members as proof of membership of the Scheme. The Card is usable at all the 227 polyclinics across the country, after its activation by giving thumb impression at any polyclinic, preferably Parent Polyclinic. The Smart Card stores various details, both in the physical as well as digital form, which can be accessed at all polyclinics.

• Quantity. There is no limitation for issue of ECHS smart card. One primary card will be issued to pensioner/Family Pensioner and each member can have their individual card to provide flexibility of treatment across the country as per their requirement. In addition a war disabled/battle casualty and mentally / physically challenged child can be issued a white card for life dependency once eligibility is established.

• Existing members will have the option of continuing with the current card albeit with limited facilities or to option for the new card. The dependent cards of parents and children will have to be reactivated after two years for the purpose of strengthening verification and vigilance.

• Cost. The cost of each card is Rs 135/- and is to be borne by the member.

• Amendment to Card. Any subsequent amendment to the Card desired by the member will require a fresh card to be made on approved of ECHS Organisation and at a cost to be borne by member.

• Loss of Card. In case of loss of a Smart Card (s)/Temporary Receipt ECHS member will submit and application on plain paper with complete details of lost Card(s) to dependent polyclinics/Stn/HQ for issue of duplicate cards.

• Contribution All ESM pensioners are required to make a one time contribution based on their uncommuted basic monthly pension (including Dearness Pension). A concession has been made in respect of old retirees, who can pay their contribution in three consecutive, equal yearly installments. Contribution rates wef 01 Apr 2004 is as under:-

Notes (a)    War Widows and Next of Kin’s of deceased Soldier who are in receipt of ‘Liberalized Family Pension’ are exempted from payment of ECHS contribution.

• War disabled soldiers are exempted from payment of ECHS contribution.
• Pre-1996 retirees are exempted from contribution.

• Parent Polyclinic. Every member will be allotted a parent polyclinic, one nearest to his permanent/ temporary residence. Irrespective of parent polyclinic a member can take treatment at any polyclinic in India. If required a member can be given referral to hospital by any polyclinic as per referral policy. However, member can be issued with only seven days medicines at a time from non parent polyclinic unless he carries a Temporary Attachment Certificate (TAC). The validity of TAC is for six months at a time.

• Change of Parent Polyclinic (Old Card holder). The member is to submit the following to nearest Stn HQs for change of Parent Polyclinic:-

• An application on plain paper clearly giving following details:-
  • Old ECHS Regn Number.
  • Old Address.
  • Old Parent Polyclinic.
  • New Address.
  • New Parent Polyclinic.

• An undertaking on a separate plain paper stating that:-
  • No information has been concealed or suppressed.
  • Any false information submitted will make him liable for termination of his ECHS membership.

• Proof of new address like electricity/telephone/water bills/RWA certificate etc.

• A fresh ECHS application form with relevant columns filled and superscribed “CHANGE OF ADDRESS “ and “CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC”.

• Return the old cards duly defaced.

• Deposit DD on the name of concerned Regional Centre @ Rs 135/-per card requested.

• Change of Parent Polyclinic (New Card holder). The ECHS beneficiaries those who want to change his parent (original) polyclinic will be able to do so for any polyclinic of his choice and need. Once the parent polyclinic has been changed, reversion/second change of the parent polyclinics will be admissible only upon the expiry of a period of six months. The change of the parent polyclinic can be done at the reception centre of any polyclinic with approval of OIC polyclinic.

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

1. Travelling Allowance For Patients. Patients are entitled to return journey Rail fare when referred to a medical facility in other stations (nearest available) during an intercity move for treatment. The attendants, if authorised to move alongwith patient in the referral sheet, would also be entitled to claim return rail fare in the entitled class of ESM. Entitled class of train will be same as entitled immediately before retirement of the member.

Notes: – (a)     Production of Original Rail Tickets/Public Bus for reimbursement is compulsory.

• Travel by Pvt Car/Taxi or by Civil Air is not authorised.
  • Reimbursement will be limited to rail fare authorised or actual expenditure whichever is less.

• Use of Ambulance. Ambulance is available at the Polyclinics for transportation of patients on recommendations of medical officer. Ambulance can be used for sick transfer from ECHS Polyclinic to Service/Empanelled Hospital where referred. Such use will ordinarily be restricted to within municipal limits of town/city. However, where the nearest Service Hospital is outside the city/station limits, the ambulance may be utilised provided the Medical Officer-in-charge considers that conveyance, by other means will be detrimental to the health of the patient.

• The Officer-in-Charge Polyclinic, in consultation with Medical Officer-in-Charge Polyclinic may prioritize the use of Ambulance in a particular situation when more than one patient needs to be evacuated/transferred.
• More than one patient may be transferred at the same time as per the situation, keeping in mind the essentiality of use and health of the patients.
• Nursing Assistant/Nurse alongwith Oxygen cylinder/IV line may accompany the patient as per the requirement of the case.
• Expansion of ECHS..   A case for addl 199 Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme polyclinic and 15 Regional Centres to expand Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme   network   has   been   approved   by   the   Govt   on 26 May 2010. Draft Govt letter has been fwd to MoD for their approval.

• ECHS Membership to Nepal Domiciled Gorkhas (NDG). The proposal to extend the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme facilities to Nepal Domiciled Ex-Servicemen has been approved by the Government. However, the NDG veterans will have to visit polyclinics and empanelled hospitals located in India to avail the Ex- servicemen Contributory Health Scheme benefits. Draft Govt. letter has been fwd to MoD for their approval.

ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR  SAINIK WELFARE

WAR  MEMORIAL HOSTELS

SAINIK REST HOUSES IN ALL OVER INDIA

STATE WISE DETAILS OF CASH GRANTS GIVEN TO GALLANTRY AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

PURCHASE OF CAR BY PBOR

EX-ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL RECEIPENTS OF HIGHEST BRAVERY AWARD-CONCESSION

(TO KNOW MORE CLICK HERE)