CPWD Reaffirms: CGHS Cards Mandatory for All Contributing Employees

In a move aimed at reinforcing compliance and ensuring health benefits reach every eligible employee, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has issued a directive reiterating that Central Government employees must be issued CGHS cards upon deduction of monthly contributions. The Office Memorandum dated April 7, 2025, refers to a standing order from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) dating back to 2004.

---

What the Latest CPWD Circular Says

The memorandum, issued by the Directorate General of CPWD, calls on all Special and Additional Director Generals (SDGs/ADGs) to ensure that:

• All CPWD employees contributing to CGHS are issued cards without delay.
• If an employee fails to apply for a card despite written intimation, senior officers must be informed immediately for necessary action.

This comes as a reminder of the MoH&FW Office Memorandum No. S-6252/2003-2004-R&H/CGHS/CGHS(P) dated 15th June 2004, which provides the foundational clarification.

---

Background: MoH&FW’s 2004 Clarification

The 2004 OM from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare responded to widespread doubts among government departments about the accrual of CGHS benefits. It made the following key clarifications:

CGHS Coverage Starts Automatically:

• As per CGHS rules, benefits accrue from the date the CGHS card application is submitted.
• However, if CGHS contribution is deducted from salary, the department must ensure a card is issued, even if the employee hasn’t submitted the forms.

CGHS Is a Compulsory Scheme:

• All Central Government employees residing in CGHS-covered areas must enroll.
• Denial of CGHS benefits solely because an employee hasn’t completed paperwork, despite contribution being deducted, is deemed unfair.

---

Departments Held Responsible

The 2004 OM emphasizes that:

“It is the responsibility of the concerned Office/Department to ensure that a CGHS card is issued to such Government servants.”

This removes ambiguity from cases where employees have not submitted forms but salary deductions continue. The onus now squarely lies with the Administrative Branches of each Ministry or Department.

---

Action for Non-Compliant Cases

Both the 2004 and 2025 OMs clearly instruct that if any serving government employee fails to apply despite reminders, their case should be immediately escalated to higher authorities. This ensures no employee is left without access to critical health services due to procedural lapses or miscommunication.

---

Why This Matters

This circular is more than a routine administrative update. It has direct implications for thousands of Central Government employees, particularly in departments like CPWD that operate across India.

It ensures:

• Fairness in CGHS benefit distribution
• Accountability within administrative offices
• Clarity on procedural obligations for health coverage

By issuing this reminder, CPWD is not only enforcing policy but also prioritizing employee welfare, ensuring that health coverage under CGHS does not fall through the cracks due to bureaucratic gaps.

---

What Employees Should Know

If you’re a Central Government employee:

• Check your salary slip to confirm if CGHS contributions are being deducted.
• If yes, and you do not have a CGHS card, report to your Administration Branch immediately.
• You are entitled to the card, and it’s your department’s responsibility to issue it without delay.

---

Final Word

The CPWD memorandum, backed by the MoH&FW’s 2004 guidelines, removes any lingering uncertainty about CGHS eligibility. Simply put — if you’re paying, you’re covered.

Departments now have a renewed directive to act, making it clear that the right to health benefits cannot be held hostage to paperwork, especially when contributions are already being made.

View CPWD OM: