AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 122 of 170 disparity between civil and defence pensioners is concerned, we are unable to comment on the matter. We feel that the appropriate forum for this may be Ex- Servicemen League. As far as the Govt is concerned, they treat both central Govt and Armed forces pensioners at par. Question No 53. What is the relationship between the ECHS and the AGIF (MBS) or AFGIS (MIS)? Will deposit for the MBS & MIS be refunded? Answer. AGIF (MBS)/AFGIS (MIS). As regards the two AGI and AFGIS Schemes, there is no connection with the ECHS. They are privately funded and are being wound up as indicated earlier. The decision to close these has been taken by the concerned authorities after full deliberation and taking into account all possible angles. Should any member wish to take this matter further, you may write to MD AGIF/MD AFGIS for further clarifications. Moreover, since the ECHS is a public funded scheme where as the AGIF/AFGIS are private schemes it will be technically incorrect and administratively impossible to deduct and transfer money from one scheme to another. The procedure that has been specified so far is that any Ex-Serviceman pensioner joining the scheme has to submit his money by MRO. It is voluntary for such pensioners to join ECHS. As a special concession, it has been legislated by Page 102 Army Headquarters that AGIF (MBS) money will be refunded in full, irrespective of medical treatment availed, to any individual wishing to withdraw his money on joining ECHS. The AGIS is being compulsorily terminated on 31 Mar 2006 on which date all pending amounts will be paid back to members. AFGIS is being terminated on 31 March 2004, and Air HQs will be issuing separate instructions for refund. Difference in payment of contribution. As earlier mentioned, ECHS subscription rates have been decided by Govt based on a common scale applicable to all Central Government employees. Nothing further can be done in this matter and the matter has been treated as closed. Since it is voluntary for the existing pensioners to join the scheme, they are the best judge whether to join or not. Question No 54. What is the need to introduce the new computerized forms – they appear to be too complicated? Answer. New Computerised Application Form. While at individual level some may feel the form is complicated and cumbersome, it may please be understood that we are dealing with approximately 20 lakh pensioners/widows and approx 3 lakh new retirees, residing all over India. To avoid the ECHS also going the inefficient way of many other Govt Schemes, it is imperative to ensure that all those joining this scheme are legitimately authorized. The aim is not to harass Ex-Servicemen but to ensure full probity and verification. HQ ECHS has taken every possible step to review, revise and reduce the burden on Ex-Servicemen. Whatever has been asked for in application form is the very basic minimum, required for computer management for such a large Ex-Servicemen population. We hope ESM will bear with this one-time inconvenience and perhaps combine the visit for ECHS (meant for their benefit) with their next visit to a CSD or an MI Room. Question No 55. Please issue clarification on the following issues:- Answer. a) If an ESM does not join the ECHS will he continue to avail the facilities as hitherto fore? Yes. However if he/she joins the ECHS he/she will not get any medical