Enhancement of Insurance Coverage under CGEGIS – BPMS
Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme, 1980 was notified on 01/11/1980 and came into force with effect from the forenoon of 01/01/1982.
The `scheme’ is intended to provide for the Central Government employees, at a low cost and on a wholly contributory and self-financing basis, the twin benefits of an insurance cover to help their families in the event of death in service and a lump-sum payment to augment their resources on retirement.
The rates of benefit under the scheme, till date is as under:
| Category | Rates of monthly subscriptions (Rs.) | Insurance Coverage (Rs.) | |||
| As on 31-01-1989 | After 01-02-1989 | ||||
| A | 40 | 120 | 1,20,000 | ||
| B | 20 | 60 | 60,000 | ||
| C | 10 | 30 | 30,000 | ||
| D | 05 | 15 | 15,000 | ||
Ever since then, except merging of Group “D” with Group “C” and subsequent change in subscriptions and coverage thereof, nothing has changed.
Taking cognizance of this static state of affairs, the 7th CPC in its recommendations commented under Para 9.3.7 The Commission also took note of the fact that the Tables of Benefits published by Ministry of Finance are based on the mortality rate of 3.75 per thousand per annum up to 31.12.1987 and 3.60 per thousand per annum thereafter.
In its report (brought out in January 1997), the V CPC had pointed out that the mortality rate, life expectancy and health delivery systems have improved over a period of time. They had highlighted the need “for a detailed review of the current mortality rates with a view to revising the apportionment between the Savings and Insurance Funds.”
Since it was likely to take some time, they had recommended a ratio of Savings Fund to Insurance Fund of 75:25, with “appropriate machinery for a periodical review of the mortality rates and adjustment of the apportionment ratio.”
Further, under Para 9.3.8 All the three factors viz., mortality rate, life expectancy and health delivery systems have further improved over the course of nearly twenty years following the V CPC recommendations.
Accordingly, this Commission recommends that the ratio of Savings Fund to Insurance Fund be modified from the present 70:30 to 75:25, as an interim measure, pending a detailed review. It is also recommended that periodical reviews of mortality rates should be undertaken for suitable adjustment of the apportionment ratio. The Tables of Benefits may be modified accordingly.
After carefully examining all relevant aspects, the 7th CPC finally recommended the following as revised rates and benefits:
| Level of Pay Matrix | Monthly Deduction (Rs.) | Insurance Amount (Rs.) |
| 10 and above | 5000 | 50,00,000 |
| Between 06 to 09 | 2500 | 25,00,000 |
| Between 01 to 05 | 1500 | 15,00,000 |
However, vide notification No.1-2/2016-IC dated 25/07/2016, it was announced that” The Cabinet also decided not to accept the steep hike in monthly contribution towards Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS) recommended by the Commission.
The existing rates of monthly contribution will continue. This will increase the take home salary of employees at lower levels by Rs. 1470. However, considering the need for social security of employees, the Cabinet has asked Ministry of Finance to work out a customized group insurance scheme for Central Government Employees with low premium and high-risk cover.”
However, in spite of lapse of more than 19 months, the concerned department is silent thus defeating the very purpose of the Government’s intention to replace the existing scheme with a customized group insurance scheme for Central Government Employees with low premium and high-risk cover.
The Central Executing Committee of Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh, at its meeting held at Dehu Road (Pune) deliberated on this very serious issue and demands that the Government should immediately notify the customized group insurance scheme for Central Government Employees with low premium and high-risk cover.
Resolved on this, 28th Day of March, 2018.
Source: BPMS
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