Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Widowed/Divorced/Unmarried daughters who are in receipt of family pension of RELHS: Minutes of the 33rd SCOVA meeting
[DoP&PW OM No. 42/11/2023-P&PW(D) dated 03.04.2024]
Sub:- Minutes of the 33rd SCOVA meeting held under the Chairmanship of Hon’ ble MOS(PP) on 22.02.2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi-reg
Previous: Action Taken Report on the unresolved agenda items of 32nd SCOVA meeting (v) Enhancement of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to pensioners residing in non-CGHS areas.
4. Discussion on New Agenda Items
(33.1): Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Widowed/Divorced/Unmarried daughters who are in receipt of family pension
As per Railway Board letter RBE No. 69/2014 dated 07.07.2014, Widowed/Divorced/Unmarried daughters who are in receipt of family pension are entitled
for grant of FMA. On the contrary, as per Railway Board letter no. PC-V/2022/A/MED/2/FMA/(E) dated 27.10.2022 widowed/divorced/unmarried daughters who in receipt of family pension are not eligible for Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS). Accordingly, they are not entitled for FMA. Ministry of Railway was requested to examine the matter so that widowed/divorced/unmarried daughters could also avail the benefit of Health Scheme/Allowance.
Discussion/Decision taken in the meeting
Executive Director (PC), Ministry of Railways informed that the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) is payable to all eligible family members who were dependent on the Pensioner at the time of his retirement. Further, 1t was informed that Ministry of Railways has recently switched over to the new system 1.e Unique Medical Identity (UMID), where this problem has come up. The Ministry of Railways has been examining the issue and a clarificatory circular will be issued by the Ministry soon.
(Action: Ministry of Railways)
Next: (33.2):- Railways fare concession must be allowed to Senior Citizens/Pensioners as per pre-Covid period.
COMMENTS
Half of the pension goes to monthly medicines and consultation etc.The prices of essential medicines for BP,Diabetics
,Cancer etc have a steep 40% hike over the past 5 years.Most of the employees who spent their youth and middle age have become patients due to long hours sitting in chairs and not having enough time for self-care.
The half yearly increase of DA can’t match with the price of deep escalation in all fields.