Who are eligible to become ECHS members?
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.
How can I enrol my dependents for ECHS?
Collect and submit the application form from nearby polyclinic, along with the copy of Pension Pay Order/ Military Receivable Order, two photographs, affidavit and DD of Rs 135/- per person. The income of each dependant should be less than Rs3500/- + 52% DA (which is total 5235/-).
In case of death of ECHS pensioner, will the parents be entitled to ECHS benefits?
Yes, the parents are entitled to the ECHS membership, provided they are dependants of the ESM and the names are included in the Discharge Book of ECHS member and the income should be less than Rs.3500/- + 52% DA (which is Total 5235/.
I am a Short Service Commissioned Officer injured in battle.Am I entitled to be an ECHS member?
No, short service commissioned officers are not entitled to be an ECHS member, unless you are a battle casualty and drawing disability pension.
I have lost my card; what should I do?
Visit Station Headquarter/polyclinic. Collect and submit application form along with documents which includes affidavit of loss of card and DD of 135/- in favor of dependent Regional Centre. Note: FIR is NOT required to be lodged.
My card is damaged, what should I do?
Visit Station Headquarter/polyclinic. Collect and submit application form along with DD of 135/- in favour of dependant Regional Centre. Submit your damaged card when you receive the duplicate card.
What is the cost of the new 32KB ECHS smart card?
Each ECHS smart card cost 135/-.
How many ECHS cards will be issued for a family?
ECHS smart card will be issued, one for each dependant, mentioned in the Discharge Book, provided the dependant meets eligibility conditions as per rules.
What is the need for writing a Will after retirement?
Death is inevitable. If one is lucky, he/she will die of ripe old age but the possibility of an unexpected/premature death due to accident/ disease can’t be ruled out. Therefore, prudence demands that everyone should write a will immediately after retirement and revise it at regular intervals. While in service, our will is taken at the time of joining itself because it is compulsory. But after retirement, we don’t want to think of these painful realities of life, despite the fact that a will is more relevant after retirement. We all have seen and heard from our personal contacts and relatives as to what kind of bad blood and distrust exists between the children after the death of father/ both parents. However, we find it difficult to comprehend that it could happen to our children also. Thus, writing a will is desirable and by writing a will one would protect the long term interests of his wife and children. A will need not always be on a stamp paper and through a lawyer. It can be written on a plain sheet of paper also in one’s own handwriting. Two independent witnesses (preferably much younger) are required to sign the will. Basically, a will can be written primarily on the property which the individual has earned himself. If the property is inherited he can write will only on that portion which is due to him after division with other legal heirs. If one is depriving his wife and immediate family and giving property to an outsider, then the reason behind the same should be clearly spelled out in the will to avoid future litigation. If one is very old and handwriting is not clearly legible then a typed will is desirable. For writing a will one can initially do self-education on internet and then write the will. For property of a complicated/disputed nature, it is better to take advice from a civil lawyer before writing the will.
