Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Sept 2: The Union Territory of Ladakh today announced an increase in the Fixed Medical Allowance for certain categories of pensioners. The change comes in response to long-standing requests from pensioners who retired from Government service before the formation of Ladakh as a Union Territory.
Previously, Central Government pensioners not covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) were entitled to a Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs 1000 per month, as stipulated by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) in its Office Memorandum dated July 19, 2017. Following the creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh, pensions and family pensions were transferred to the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) in New Delhi. Pensioners who retired after the formation of Ladakh have been receiving Rs 1000 monthly allowance, as they are not covered under CGHS.
However, pensioners who retired before the creation of the Union Territory had been receiving a significantly lower Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs 300 per month. The Ladakh Administration has received numerous representations from these pensioners, requesting parity in their medical allowances with those who retired after the formation of the Union Territory.
After careful examination of the issue in light of the DoPPW guidelines, the Ladakh Administration has decided to increase the Fixed Medical Allowance for these pensioners from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 per month, effective from April 1, 2020. This decision has brought much-needed relief to many elderly pensioners in the region, ensuring they receive equal benefits to their counterparts who retired after the Union Territory’s formation.
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