ACCOUNTABILITY FOR NON STOPPAGE OF FIXED MEDICAL ALLOWANCE

 Dear Veteran brothers,

As there is still cases of NON-Stoppage of FMA is coming to our notice,  we are again POSTING this article  for information .

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

ATTENTION VETERAN BROTHERS SERIES- 19

 ACCOUNTABILITY  FOR NON STOPPAGE OF  FIXED MEDICAL ALLOWANCE (FMA ) BY BANKS.

Our Ex-Servicemen were enrolled a s member in ECHS from 01-04-2004  onward.

For becoming member, stoppage of FMA certificate from bank is mandatory.

Hence, all the ESM obtained the certificate from their Bank  as Having stopped FMA from so and so month  and joined the scheme from 01-04-2004. ,

Now, we understand that still many ESMs and Families are being paid with FMA.

On verifying  the pension details  for Renewal of ECHS cards to 64 KB,  the

 Non stoppage of FMA is noticed.

The pensioners , particularly Widows not aware whether they are paid with FMA or not.  Similarly, many pensioners also not knowing  this point.

During the Renewal ECHS  cards, we noticed the Non stoppage of FMA . when inquired, they said that they have requested the Bank to stop  FMA  but they are still paying  even after reminding.

THIS IS THE POSITION.

When we calculated the FMA paid to few ECHS members , it comes about Rs.50000 plus,  likewise  many are there.

Here , we wish to know , who is accountable for this Non stoppage of FMA.

The member is having the FMA stopped certificate from Bank.

All pensioners are not that much educated to know the pension details.

We opine that , the Bank is at fault in not carrying out their own commitment, thus the wrong payment.

The Pensioners though not aware of the particulars of their Pension, they are also responsible.

Now who should be held accountable for this happenings.   Is a question.

Now , after coming to know the wrong payment, the Bank is demanding the pensioners to repay the amount in lump sum. The poor pensioners , who   are not having such a large amount  and are finding it difficult to manage

In our opinion,

1.          As the Bank has failed to comply with their own commitment, the wrong payment shall be borne by the Bank itself .

2.          As per Defence Pension Payment Instruction- 2013, item No.103-2, if the wrong payment is noticed after 12 months, the Bank shall not recover the amount. They have to seek permission from  PCDA .  No Bank is following the instructions.

Note:  This is a serious nature.  Some cases has come to our knowledge  that, when the ECHS member  drawing FMA   went  for a Major surgery   and was denied  Treatment / admission  due to this payment   of FMA  which was not of his fault.

The patient was advised to pay back the wrongly paid FMA amount and then only case will be treated / admitted. This is a great injustice meted out to  Ex-servicemen.

As such cases are coming to light, The Regional Offices of ECHS may  take a review of all application of members and  inform the  Banks  to Stop paying the FMA as per their certificate.

IN  view of the above facts, We request all our ESM Associations and Orgs to guide our veteran brothers in your areas in this regard to avoid last minute sufferings.