माता-पिता और सास-ससुर के लिए CGHS लाभ | केंद्र सरकार के कर्मचारियों के लिए विकल्प – 2026 में स्पष्टीकरण
Option to Avail Medical Facilities Either for Parents or Parents-in-law under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules – Clarification (2026); The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued an important clarification regarding the option available to Central Government employees for declaring either their parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 [CS(MA) Rules].
This clarification, issued through Office Memorandum dated 13 May 2026, settles many doubts raised by Central Government employees regarding whether they can change the declared dependents at a later stage. The order clearly states that the option is a one-time choice and cannot be altered subsequently.
Background of the CGHS and CS(MA) Rules Option
Initially, under the 1987 Government order, only female Government employees were allowed to choose either their parents or parents-in-law for CGHS benefits.
Later, the Ministry extended the same facility to both male and female Central Government employees through an Office Memorandum issued on 26 July 2023.
Subsequently, on 28 March 2024, the benefit was also extended to employees covered under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944, thereby ensuring parity between CGHS and CS(MA) beneficiaries.
The latest clarification issued in May 2026 now explains the exact nature of this option and the restrictions attached to it.
What is the New Clarification Issued on 13 May 2026?
The Government has reiterated that eligible Central Government employees covered under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules may choose either:
- Their own parents, or
- Their parents-in-law
as dependent family members for availing medical facilities, subject to dependency and eligibility conditions.
However, the major clarification is regarding the one-time option rule.
One-Time Option Rule Explained
According to the latest Office Memorandum:
A male Government employee shall be eligible to exercise a one-time option only for choosing either his parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules.
This means:
- Once the employee chooses parents, the choice becomes final.
- Once the employee chooses parents-in-law, that decision also becomes final.
- The employee cannot later switch from one category to another.
Clearly Indicating the Available Options
Option 1: Choose Parents as Dependents
Under this option, the employee may include:
- Father
- Mother
as dependent family members for medical facilities under CGHS or CS(MA) Rules.
Important Conditions
- Parents must satisfy dependency conditions.
- Other eligibility conditions under the scheme must also be fulfilled.
- Once selected, parents-in-law cannot later be added instead.
What Happens Later?
Even if:
- One or both parents pass away, or
- Dependency status changes,
the employee still cannot shift the option to parents-in-law later.
Option 2: Choose Parents-in-law as Dependents
Under this option, the employee may include:
- Father-in-law
- Mother-in-law
as dependent family members for CGHS or CS(MA) medical benefits.
Important Conditions
- Parents-in-law must satisfy prescribed dependency conditions.
- All eligibility rules must be met.
- Once chosen, the employee cannot later revert to including parents.
What Happens Later?
Even if:
- Parents-in-law pass away, or
- Their dependency status changes,
the employee still cannot subsequently opt for parents instead.
Important Points Employees Must Understand
1. The Option is Final
The biggest takeaway from the clarification is that the option is irreversible.
Employees should carefully evaluate family circumstances before exercising the option.
2. Applicable to Both CGHS and CS(MA) Beneficiaries
The clarification applies to:
- Employees covered under CGHS
- Employees covered under CS(MA) Rules, 1944
The Government has ensured uniformity in both systems.
3. Dependency Conditions Still Apply
The choice alone does not automatically make parents or parents-in-law eligible.
They must satisfy:
- Dependency criteria
- Residence requirements
- Other eligibility conditions prescribed under the respective rules/schemes
Why This Clarification Was Necessary
After the 2023 and 2024 Office Memorandums, many departments reportedly received queries regarding:
- Whether employees could change the option later,
- Whether switching was allowed after the death of parents,
- Whether parents and parents-in-law could both be included at different times.
The 2026 clarification removes all ambiguity by explicitly stating that the option is strictly one-time and non-changeable.
Practical Examples
Example 1
A male Central Government employee chooses his parents in 2026.
Later, after a few years, his parents pass away.
Can he add his parents-in-law afterward?
No. The option once exercised cannot be changed.
Example 2
An employee initially chooses parents-in-law as dependents.
Later, his parents become financially dependent on him.
Can he switch to parents?
No. The original choice remains final.
Impact on Central Government Employees
This clarification is significant because it requires employees to make a carefully considered long-term decision regarding family medical coverage.
Employees may now need to evaluate:
- Financial dependency of parents,
- Medical condition of parents and parents-in-law,
- Future caregiving responsibilities,
- Long-term family support requirements.
Since the choice cannot be revised later, employees should submit their declaration only after careful consideration.
Conclusion
The Government of India has now clearly established that Central Government employees under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules can choose either their parents or parents-in-law as dependent beneficiaries for medical facilities, but the choice can be exercised only once.
While the provision offers flexibility and parity between male and female employees, the latest clarification also places responsibility on employees to make a well-informed and permanent decision.
Before exercising the option, employees should thoroughly assess dependency status, family medical needs, and future circumstances because no subsequent change will be permitted under the present rules.
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