Minutes of the 33rd SCOVA meeting held under the Chairmanship of Hon’ ble MOS(PP) on 22.02.2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) issued Office Memorandum (OM) No. 42/11/2023-P&PW(D) dated 03.04.2024, detailing the discussions and decisions from the 33rd Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) meeting held on 22.02.2024 in New Delhi, chaired by the Honorable Minister of State for Personnel and Public Grievances.
[DoP&PW OM No. 42/11/2023-P&PW(D) dated 03.04.2024]
Sub:- Minutes of the 33rd SCOVA meeting held under the Chairmanship of Hon’ ble MOS(PP) on 22.02.2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi-reg
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4. Discussion on New Agenda Items
(33.1): Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Widowed/Divorced/Unmarried daughters who are in receipt of family pension
As per Railway Board letter RBE No. 69/2014 dated 07.07.2014, Widowed/Divorced/Unmarried daughters who are in receipt of family pension are entitled for grant of FMA. On the contrary, as per Railway Board letter no. PC-V/2022/A/MED/2/FMA/(E) dated 27.10.2022 widowed/divorced/unmarried daughters who in receipt of family pension are not eligible for Retired Employees Liberalised Health Scheme (RELHS). Accordingly, they are not entitled for FMA. Ministry of Railway was requested to examine the matter so that widowed/divorced/unmarried daughters could also avail the benefit of Health Scheme/Allowance.
Discussion/Decision taken in the meeting
Executive Director (PC), Ministry of Railways informed that the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) is payable to all eligible family members who were dependent on the Pensioner at the time of his retirement. Further, 1t was informed that Ministry of Railways has recently switched over to the new system 1.e Unique Medical Identity (UMID), where this problem has come up. The Ministry of Railways has been examining the issue and a clarificatory circular will be issued by the Ministry soon.
(Action: Ministry of Railways)