Centre relaxes norms for ECHS

Kochi, Apr 20 (UNI) In a major relaxation in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), the Union government today announced that all personnel who retired before January one, 1996, can join the scheme without making any contribution.

The relaxation would benefit a large number of ex-servicemen, an official release said here.

However, the cost of making the 'smart cards' at Rs 90 per card would have to be paid as in the past, it said.

The last date for enrolment into the scheme is March 31, 2008.

Thereafter, only those retiring after this date will be permitted to join as members.

The ECHS came into being in April, 2003, to provide quality medical care to retiring armed forces personnel drawing military pension.

Earlier, a contribution, depending on the quantum of pension received by ex-servicemen, was to be paid to become a member of this scheme.

UNI