35th SCOVA meeting – Annexure-II New Agenda Items

Approval has been accorded for opening of 29 new Wellness Centres across various cities (Bhilai, Durg, Narmadapuram, Bahadurgarh, Rewari, Rohtak, Dharmshala, Kangra, Patiala, Udupi, Shivmogga, Jamshedpur, Sabarmati, Bharatpur, Alwar, Haldwani, Nainital, Warangal, Tirupathi, Navi Mumbai, Hapur, Mangaluru, Udaipur, Kollam, Vasco-da-gama, Sahakarnagar, Bangalore, Hubli, Sambalpur & Greater Noida West).

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

CGHS was requested to examine the request for an Attendance Allowance to the pensioners suffering from Parkinson/Dementia and other ailments.

[Action: M/o Health & Family Welfare/CGHS]

CGHS primarily functions through its network of Wellness Centres for outpatient services and through empanelled private hospitals for inpatient treatment. It does not establish standalone, full-fledged CGHS hospitals. Now, as per OM dated 22.12.2025, more Pvt.. HCOs will be able get empaneled under CGHS in tier II and III cities which will ensure adequate access to patient care for CGHS beneficiaries in the state. However, opening of one new CGHS Wellness Centre in Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) is under process for which approval has already been accorded.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Beneficiaries aged 70 years and above (irrespective of card type-Serving, Pensioner, etc.) may directly consult specialists at empanelled hospitals without prior referral from a CGHS Wellness Centre. For diagnostic tests/investigations (excluding CT scan, MRI) below 3,000, no additional endorsement is required, provided there is a valid prescription from the treating specialist.

Where a referral has been issued by a CGHS Wellness Centre, it remains valid for three months from the date of issue and upto 6 consultations. These provisions are intended to facilitate timely access to medical care, especially for senior beneficiaries.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

There is no such proposal under consideration for opening WC at Puri, Odisha. However, Health Care Organizations (HCOs) located m tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where there 1s no CGHS facilities arc now eligible to be empanelled under CGHS as per the revised norms vide OM dated 22.12.2025, which will ensure adequate access to patient care for CGHS beneficiaries in the state.

Further, CGHS beneficiaries are permitted to avail treatment without referral/endorsement at any Government hospital, including institutions such as AIIMS, other Institutions of National Importance (INIs), Northeastern regional institutes, Tata Memorial Hospital, as well as Government Medical Colleges and District Hospitals. Moreover, private hospitals in Puri can now seek direct empanelrnent under the revised norms issued vide O.M. dated 22nd December 2025 which allows for empanelment of HCOs falling in municipal limits of a district headquarters irrespective or availability of CGHS Wellness Centre in that city, thereby, providing easy access to healthcare facilities to the CGHS beneficiaries.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Timely settlement of medical reimbursement claims is a priority for CGI IS. Claims are processed through an online system to ensure transparency, tracking, and faster disposal. In Addition, clear timelines have been prescribed for settlement of claims of treatment undertaken by pensioner beneficiaries al Private non­empanelled hospitals. The beneficiaries can track their MRCs on new MRC CGHS portal and also on my CGHS 2.0 app.

Moreover, CGHS Directorate monitors the pendency on regular basis with Zonal/Additional Directors to ensure adherence to these timelines. Further, the credit bills of pensioners arc processed on the newly revamped TMS (Transaction Management System) 2.0, effective since October 13, 2025, for faster tracking and settlement of private HCO bills.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

OTP-based registration Identification of CGHS beneficial}’ at the point of care is an essential step for a cashless facility. CGHS is considering adding other means of verification to avoid inconvenience.

CGHS would like to clarify the following:

• The prescribed medicine (salt) is not changed. For example, paracetamol will not be replaced with a different medicine like aspirin.
• However, the manufacturer may change, provided the salt, strength, and dosage remain the same.

CCHS procures quality-approved generic medicines from the Government organisation like MSO and PMBI (Janaushadi).

If any medicine is temporarily unavailable, including temperature-sensitive injections, it is promptly arranged through Authorized Local Chemists (ALCs). Proper storage and cold-chain norms are followed for temperature sensitive medicines.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Expansion/Extension and proper staffing of CGHS WCs in Pune,

Rationalization of staff across Wellness Centres is undertaken periodically based on daily footfall.

CGHS has initiated the process to empanel healthcare organisations irrespective of CGHS coverage area in tier II and III cities which enables the central governnent employees to avail treatment.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) is granted as per the provisions of the applicable Pension Rules.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

An AYUSH dispensary is operational in Jammu in the building of CGHS WC Jammu-2 at Trikutta Nagar Jammu. One doctor and one pharmacist arc already posted and the procurement of ayurvedic medicines is under process. Establishment of polyclinic and Lab services at Thanser Jammu South, is under consideration. MRCs are being processed timely and the same is being reviewed by CG!IS Directorate in periodic review meetings.

[Action: M/o Health & Family Welfare/CGHS]

CGHS was requested to examine the feasibility of home delivery of medicines under CGHS.

[Action: M/o Health & Family Welfare/CGHS]

29 new CGHS wellness centres have been sanctioned across India. The Ministry has recently notified comprehensive ‘Drug Procurement Policy’ to ensure the continuous availability of medicines.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

There is no such proposal for opening a CGHS WC at Badlapur, Maharashtra. Badlapur is 20 minutes drive from CGHS WC Ambernath.

CGHS is in the process of onboarding more and more Pvt.HCOs in non-CGHS covered areas (vide OM dated 22.12.2025). However, the Ministry has recently notified comprehensive ‘Drug Procurement Policy’ on 15^th January 2026, to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines at CGHS Wellness Centres.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

There is no such proposal for opening a CGHS WC at CGHS Kolkatta. CGHS is in the process of onboarding more and more Pvt. HCOs in non-CGHS covered areas vide OM dated 22.12.2025, which will ensure adequate access to patient care for CGHS beneficiaries in the state. The number of WCs as on dale in the state of West Bangal is 18 nos.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

With respect to the LTC facility to Railway Servants, it is stated thatnonly All India Leave Travel Concession (AILT) facility has been extended lo them whereas on civil side, Government Servants are entitled to Hone town as well as All India LTC. This AILT facility to Railway Servants is governed strictly in accordance with CCS (LTC) rules-1988, the Nodal Department for which is DoP&T.

Accordingly, as per Business Rules, the decision w.r.t. extension of ITC facility to retired Government employees can only be taken by DoP&T and not by Ministry of Railways. Hence, comments on this aspect may be obtained from DoP&T.

[Action: D/o Personnel & Training]

Pension Adalats are conducted at Senior or higher Administrative levels with the participation of Competent Authorities from Personnel and Accounts Department,, duly empowered to examine and decide the pension related cases in accordance with the extant rues and instructions. Creation of separate Appellate Authority exclusively for cases arising from Pension Adalats would duplicate the existing redressal mechanism and may lead to avoidable procedural delays rather than expenditing resolution. In view of this, it is not reasonable enough to consider a separate Appellate Authority.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy of Rs. 60,466 crore on passenger tickets in 2023-24. This amounts to concession of 45% on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways. In other words, if the cost or providing service is Rs.100, then the price of ticket is Rs. 55 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many categories like 4 categories of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories or patients and 8 categories of students.

Hence, the it-cm may be treated as closed.

As on date, PPO data of 13.59 lakh pre-2016 pensioners has already been shared with UMJD Portal. Now, that AR.PAN application has been migrated to IPAS along with legacy data, the process of sharing data continues at weekly intervals upon their revision/updation. As far as data of post-2016 settlement PPOs generated directly m IPAS 1s concerned, the same is pushed to UMID Portal on runtime basis through an integrated scheduler. Further, the existing system is also being revisited for further integration, automation and upgradations.

Regarding meetings of PWAs with DRMs/GMs for addressing the issues concerning the welfare of railway pensi0ners, necessary directions may be issued by Ministry of Railways.

[Action: Ministry of Railways]

Railway Pensioners are given the option at the time of retirement to either avail FMA or opt for outdoor medical treatment through Railway Hospitals/Health Units. Further, Railway Board has already provided the facility to pensioners/family pensioners to switch from FMA to OPD medical facilities and vice-versa, without linkage to change in place of residence, in terms of Board’s letters dated 27.10.2022 (RBE No. 137/2022) and 07.03.2025(RBE No. 18/2025).

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Department of Financial Services (Banking Division)

State Bank of India

At present, CPPC Patna has the capacity to cater to approximately l0.00 lakh pensioners. CPPC Patna is maintaining approximately 5,00,000 pension files of Bihar and Jharkhand, out of which around l,50,000 pensioners belong to Jharkhand State.

CPPC Patna has now established a Specialised Help Desk at Ranchi Branch on 20.02.2026 to cater to the queries and complaints of pensioners. This Help Desk will expedite resolutions of queries related to pensioners in Jharkhand State and significantly enhance customer experience, thus ensuring seamless service to pensioners.

Punjab National Bank

As present, the bank has a CPPC in Bhopal which caters to pensioners of Jharkhand. Additionally, the Bank also has a CPPC at Patna. The existing anangement is functioning effectively for processing pension-related matters.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Bank of Baroda

As per the records available with the Rank, Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) were not processed or rejected because of following primary reasons:

a) Due to incorrect details entered by the applicant viz. PPO Number, Account Number, Wrong Selection of Pension Sanctioning Authority etc.

b) Due to updating of Life Certificate using dual mode by the pensioner i.e. Physical submission and DLC submission, also many cases were submitted multiple times through DLC.

The bank had driven a special campaign during the Life certificate submission period and a large number or life certificates were submitted successfully through DLC mode. Further the Bank shall continue to guide the pensioner to minimize the mistakes done on their part for DLC submission.

Central Bank of India

During Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 4.0 started from 01111/2025, a total of 79,905 life certificates of pensioners having pension account in the bank were uploaded in Jeevan Pramaan portal of Government of India. Out of that 60.637 Life Certificates were successfully updated m respective pension accounts m Bank’s GBM application. The rest 19,268 DLC were rejected.

Main factors leading lo rejection include:

1. The pensioners furnish wrong Pension Account while submit the Life Certificate through DLC.

2. Though large volumes of Defence Pensioners have migrated to SPARSH (PCDA) & Telecom Pensioners to SAMPANN, these pensioners select Central Bank of India in place of respective agency while submitting life certificate through DLC leading to rejection ultimately.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

The Bank ensures compliance of the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and DOPPW regarding the compliance of treating family pensioner as primary account holder at all levels.

However, m case any specific observation or deviation is highlighted, the Bank will initiate corrective action without any delay.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Recognition of transgender. children as dependents for the purpose of sanctioning of family pension

DOPPW is working on simplifying and re-writing of Rule 50 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, which concerns Family Pension.

However, it is submitted that any action in this regard will be taken in consultation with DOE and DOLA.

(Action: D/o Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare]

Simplifying proof of relationship requirements for family pension and verification via home visit and to do away with succession certificate

As per CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, for granting of the family pension, one has to submit prescribed documents submitted after following due procedure.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Accessibility of attachment/ ATR to pensioner on CPENGRAMS — upon disposal of grievance 

DoPPW vide OM dated 16.10.2024 has directed to upload the supporting documents to substantiate the conclusive redressal of the grievances. A fresh OM will be issued in this regard.

[Action: D/o Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare]

The pension received is included under the definition of salary and is taxed under the head “Salaries”. The reimbursements received by the pensioners on account of the medical expenditure incurred by them are over and above the pension received by them. The reimbursement is distinct from the pension already received and is an added benefit. Therefore, there is no double taxation of the same income. However, the sum paid by the employer in respect of any expenditure actually incurred by the employee on his medical treatment or treatment of any member of his family in accordance with the provisions of section 17(2)(b) of the Income-tax Act, 2025 [Clause (11) of the Proviso to section 17(2) of the Income-tax Act, 1961] is not treated as perquisite.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Granting of funds towards funeral expenditure of pensioner

There is no existing rule or provision governing the grant of financial assistance towards funeral expenses of pensioners.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Proposing urgent resolution of long pending pension grievances of Ex-servicemen by scheduling a dedicated meeting between the IESL, the central body and the CGDA; particularly to address anomalies faced by NCOs, JCOs and other ranks

Meeting with various Pensioners’ Welfare Associations including IESL Central Body was conducted on 25.06.2025 to address various anomalies reported.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Enhancing coordination with Pensioners’ Welfare Associations, and providing dedicated service centers or officials for SPARSH pensioners.

Nodal officers’ single point of contact were identified and the same was intimated in the meeting.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Facility for stoppage or discontinuation of FMA is available on SPARSH. After successful approval of request for stoppage of FMA, a certificate to this effect can be downloaded from SPARSH and submitted to the concerned’ authority for CGHS/ECHS.

Hence, the item may be treated as closed.

Enhancing coordination with Pensioners’ Welfare Associations, and providing dedicated service centers or officials for SPARSH/ SAMPANN pensioners

The Department has not submitted its reply in this regard.

[Action: D/o Telecommunications]

Delay in family pension payment under SAMPANN and non-adherence of one month time limit by CCAs