The Hindu : National : War-disabled ex-servicemen need not pay for health scheme, decides Cabinet

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 15, 2005

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National

War-disabled ex-servicemen need not pay for health scheme, decides Cabinet

Special Correspondent

To construct a chancery and residential buildings at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu

Rs. 1,984-crore assistance to Bhutan

NEW DELHI: Ex-servicemen who became disabled during proclaimed wars or other encounters, which were specifically accorded such status, have been exempted from payment of contribution to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.

The decision, taken by the Union Cabinet on Thursday, is expected to benefit about 6,000 pensioners and their dependants.

The contribution to the scheme, introduced in 2003, varies from Rs. 1,800 to 18,000 depending on the pension amount.

The scheme envisages the setting up of 227 polyclinics at 104 military and 123 non-military stations by 2008 and provides for empanelment of hospitals and diagnostic centres to which the patients can be referred. So far, 162 polyclinics have become functional.

The Cabinet also decided to construct a chancery, and residential buildings and common community facilities at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu at a cost of Rs. 125 crores.

Now Rs.10 lakhs is paid annually as rent for hiring residences and for a library-cum-reading room.

The decision will also mean a pleasant experience to tourists and other visitors from India. The embassy offices are now located in old barrack-type, dilapidated structures scattered all over the India House Estate.

A Rs. 1,984-crore assistance will be provided to Bhutan for its tenth plan programme covering the period July 2002-June 2007. The package will comprise a development subsidy of Rs. 710 crores, a project tied assistance of Rs. 734 crores and other subsidies and refunds of Rs. 540 crores.

The decision is expected to strengthen India-Bhutan relations and generate greater opportunities for Indian companies to participate in development projects.

The mercantile marine administration will be reconstituted to bring it on a par with international standards.

The scheme involves creation of some new posts and upgrading several existing posts in the Directorate-General of Shipping.

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