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CGHS Rules 2026: The Central Government has issued a major clarification regarding the rules to CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme). The Health Ministry has made it clear that male central employees can choose only one of their parents or in-laws as dependents for medical facilities. This option will be available only once and cannot be changed later.

In the office memorandum issued on 13 May 2026, the Ministry made it clear that this rule was already in force, but now it has been stated again in more clear words so that there is no confusion.

One of the parents or in-laws will be selected

According to the Health Ministry, the male government employee will have to decide in the beginning whether he will include his parents or in-laws in CGHS. Both parties will not be allowed to be included together as dependents. This rule will be applicable to both CGHS and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944. The ministry said that this system has been implemented to maintain better management and clarity of government medical facilities.

Once the option is chosen, the decision will not be changed.

The government also clarified that once the option is selected, it cannot be changed. For example, if an employee has initially included his parents as dependents, he will not be able to add his parents-in-law in CGHS if circumstances change later or even after the death of the parents. Similarly, if in-laws have been selected initially, inclusion of parents will not be allowed later. This decision has made the rules completely clear for central employees.

Definition of family and eligible members in CGHS

Under CGHS rules, eligible dependent members other than spouse can be included in the family. These include parents or in-laws (one party), sister, widowed sister, widowed daughter, minor siblings, children and stepchildren. Apart from this, divorced or separated dependent daughters and their children are also considered eligible. Sons get benefits till the age of 25 years or till marriage, while daughters continue to get CGHS facility till marriage.

Rules for being considered dependent and instructions of the Ministry

According to CGHS rules, only those family members whose total monthly income is less than Rs 9,000 plus dearness allowance (DA) will be considered dependent. However, this income limit does not apply to the husband or wife.

The Health Ministry has issued instructions to all ministries and departments that this clarification should be conveyed to the concerned authorities and strict adherence to the rules should be ensured. After this decision, it has become clear to the central employees that the selection made between parents and in-laws in CGHS will be considered permanent.

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