Govt clarifies that Union Territory staff are not central government employees

In a recent development, the Centre has denied benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) to UT (Union Territory) employees, citing their non-inclusion as central government employees. The decision has raised concerns about the availability of adequate healthcare provisions for UT employees, who had earlier sought to be included in the scheme.

According to reliable sources, the Centre clarified that while UT employees have been granted central pay scales, they do not fall under the category of central government employees, making them ineligible for CGHS coverage. This denial has left UT employees without access to the comprehensive range of healthcare services provided by the scheme.

Responding to the denial, the UT administration has once again written to the Centre, seeking guidance on the medical and health provisions to be extended to its employees, now that they have been placed on central pay scales. Additionally, the UT administration has proposed the establishment of a state scheme modeled after CGHS, which would cater specifically to the healthcare needs of UT employees. This proposal aims to bridge the gap between the benefits available to central government employees and those offered to UT employees.

The CGHS is a healthcare scheme designed to cover central government employees, pensioners, and their families. It encompasses various services such as OPD treatment, specialist consultations, reimbursement of treatment expenses, provision of hearing aids and artificial limbs, and family welfare, maternity, and child health services. The scheme provides beneficiaries with comprehensive healthcare support while minimizing their financial burden.

Currently, UT employees receive medical and healthcare allowances and reimbursements in accordance with the Punjab civil services rules. This includes a monthly medical allowance of Rs. 1000 and reimbursement for treatments conducted in government hospitals. In cases where government hospitals refer employees or pensioners to private hospitals, reimbursement is also provided. However, these provisions do not offer the same level of coverage as the CGHS.

It is worth noting that the UT administration recently adopted the Central Services Rules, replacing the Punjab services rules. As part of this transition, new pay scales and levels were implemented for UT employees, bringing them in line with central government practices. The adoption of house rent allowance (HRA), transport allowance (TA), hostel subsidy, and children education allowance for UT employees aligns them with the corresponding benefits provided to central government employees.

As the UT administration continues to pursue a resolution for the denial of CGHS benefits, the future of healthcare coverage for UT employees remains uncertain. The establishment of a dedicated state scheme or an alternative solution that ensures equitable healthcare provisions for UT employees is crucial. The matter warrants attention and prompt action to safeguard the healthcare needs of these employees who play a significant role in the functioning of the Union Territory.