The Ministry of Health has issued a significant clarification regarding the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) for Central Government employees. The Ministry has clarified that male Central Government employees may choose either their own parents or their parents-in-law as 'dependents' for the purpose of availing medical facilities; however, this option is available only once.
**What did the Ministry of Health state?**
In an Office Memorandum (OM) issued on May 13, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) stated that this facility already exists under the CGHS and the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944, but has now been further clarified.
**According to the Ministry:**
A male government employee may exercise this option only once—to choose whether he wishes to include his own parents or his parents-in-law as dependent family members.
**Decision Cannot Be Changed Later**
The government has made it clear that once an option is selected, it cannot be subsequently altered. This means that if an employee initially includes their own parents as dependents under the CGHS, they will not be able to include their parents-in-law later on—even if their parents pass away or circumstances change. Similarly, if the parents-in-law are chosen initially, the option to include the employee's own parents will not be available subsequently.
**This Facility Existed Previously**
The Ministry noted that this option was made available to CGHS beneficiaries through an Office Memorandum dated July 26, 2023. Subsequently, via an order dated March 28, 2024, this facility was extended to employees covered under the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944, as well. The latest order has been issued solely to clarify the existing rules.
**What is the definition of 'Family' under CGHS?**
According to CGHS rules, the term 'family' comprises the spouse and other eligible dependent members. These include:
Parents or parents-in-law (one of these two categories must be chosen)
Sisters or widowed sisters
Widowed daughters
Minor siblings
Children and stepchildren
Divorced or separated dependent daughters and their children
What are the rules regarding children?
Sons will receive benefits until the age of 25 or until marriage (whichever occurs first).
Daughters will receive benefits until marriage.
Who is considered a 'dependent'?
According to CGHS rules, a family member is considered a dependent if their total monthly income is less than ₹9,000 plus Dearness Allowance (DA). However, this income ceiling does not apply to the spouse of the primary CGHS cardholder.
Instructions Issued to All Ministries
The Ministry of Health has issued directives to all ministries and departments, instructing them to disseminate this clarification to the relevant officials and to ensure strict adherence to the rules. Following this decision, it is now clear to Central Government employees that the choice between parents and parents-in-law under the CGHS scheme is a permanent one.
PC Social Media
-
Mateus Mane’s Rise: From Bench to Breakthrough at Wolves Amid Interest from Manchester United and Liverpool
-
Rising to Greatness: How Barcelona’s Sydney Schertenleib Became Women’s Football’s Brightest Young Star
-
Chelsea’s WSL Reign Unravels: How Sonia Bompastor’s Risky Approach Backfired and What Lies Ahead for the Blues
-
Lionel Messi reacts to Inter Miami fans’ protest over players’ ‘respect’ concerns during MLS victory against Portland Timbers
-
Mario Basler: The Bayern Munich Maverick Whose Talent and Rebellious Spirit Defined an Era
