3-fold hike in rates of ex-servicemen health plan
Vijay Mohan/TNS
The Tribune Chandigarh, October 17, 2010
The Union government has revised the subscription rates for the Ex-servicemen's Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). The revision comes about six years after the scheme was first launched for the veterans. The quantum of increase in rates is over three times the existing rates.
Orders issued by the Ministry of Defence on September 29 announcing the increase in the one-time payable rates have been circulated to medical and welfare establishments over the past few days.
The increase in rates, according to sources, is consequent to the hike in salaries and pension of armed forces personnel following the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission. This also comes in the wake of the recent increase in charges levied by the Central Government Health Scheme for civilian pensioners.
The new ECHS rates for all ranks up to havildar and equivalent would have to pay Rs 15,000, with the next slab up to naib subedar being liable to pay Rs 27,000. From subedars up to the rank of major, the revised charges are Rs 39,000 and for lieutenant colonels and above, it would be Rs 60,000.
Earlier, the contribution for those drawing a pension of between Rs 3,000 - 6,000 was Rs 4,800, Rs 8,000 for those drawing Rs 6,001 to Rs 10,000 and for those getting Rs 10,001-Rs 15,000, the rate was Rs 12,000. Veterans drawing a pension of above Rs 15,000 had to pay Rs 18,000.
ECHS was launched in April 2003 and the aim of the scheme was to provide quality medicare to its members and their dependents.
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