AFVOA Newletters of Year 2004

Page 51 of 153 35. Similarly, the new forms require the ESM to have the affidavit countersigned by the CO/OC, even as the affidavit needs to be notarised as before. The problems faced by ESM who have received the forms at selected place of residence after retirement are obvious. 36. Since the ECHS does not have any caveats/exclusions in respect of preexisting diseases, and the purpose of the medical history sheet is only to help in entering details in the “smart cards” for facilitating treatment, it is not clear why the requirement for Unit MO to countersign the Medical History Sheet exists. Even if it will result in more accuracy, this may be enforced in respect of future ESM who fill in forms before they complete the release medical boards, and waived in respect of ESM who have been sent forms after they have gone to the selected place of residence. Similarly for the countersignature of the CO/OC. In this case, however, the legal implications of the CO/OC countersigning a sworn affidavit may be kept in mind. Response: 37. Applicable to future retirees who will receive the membership card prior to retirement. Smart cards 38. The ECHS Brochure of Jan 2004 indicates that the membership may be annulled in case mandatory information is concealed (Para 6. of the preface refers). It is not clear what this mandatory information is. Does this relate to any future change in status of dependents or anything else? 39. It is suggested that the conditions under which the membership will be rendered invalid/smart cards annulled may be specifically laid down in black and white and mentioned in the forms. Response: 40. Concealment of mandatory information-income of dependent parents, marital/employment status of daughters, employment status of sons. etc. Interim procedures 41. Para 15 of page 21 of the ECHS Brochure of Jan 2004 mentions that interim arrangements will be in force till the “smart cards” are issued, and will be not be in force thereafter. 42. The procedure that will need to be followed by ESM of the future after smart card issue procedure stabilises will need to be specified, as, invariably, there will be a gap between an ESM becoming a member and the smart card being received by him/her. Response: 43. There will be no time gap Procedure after death of ESM Member 44. A procedure is to be laid down and adopted for handling the case of an ESM who expires after obtaining a “smart card”, without having catered for “smart cards” for any or all of the eligible dependents (up to a maximum of two add on cards in addition to the members card). 45. It is suggested that a procedure be specified for catering to the requirements of “smart