Telangana Cabinet clears free accident cover of ₹1.2 crore, cashless health scheme for govt staff
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on Monday approved two major welfare measures for government employees and pensioners — a free comprehensive accident insurance policy and a cashless Employees Health Scheme (EHS).
Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said the government designed the initiatives as model schemes to strengthen welfare, security and social protection. He added that the state has introduced them on an unprecedented scale.
Accident Insurance Without Premium Burden
Under the accident insurance scheme, employees and pensioners will not pay any premium. The government will provide ₹1.2 crore as compensation in case of accidental death. In addition, it will offer a ₹10 lakh term insurance benefit in case of natural death up to the age of 60 years.
Earlier, the government implemented a similar scheme for Singareni and Transco employees. Now, however, it will extend the coverage to all government departments, corporations and public sector institutions.
The scheme will benefit 5.19 lakh regular employees and 2.38 lakh pensioners. In total, 7.57 lakh people will receive coverage.
The government will implement the policy through bankers. As a result, neither employees nor the state exchequer will face an additional financial burden.
Cashless Employees Health Scheme Gets Cabinet Nod
In another key decision, the Cabinet cleared the long-pending demand for a cashless Employees Health Scheme. The government aims to provide comprehensive healthcare security through this initiative.
The scheme will cover 3.56 lakh regular employees and 2.88 lakh pensioners. Moreover, it will include their dependent family members. Altogether, about 17.07 lakh people will benefit.
Beneficiaries can access cashless treatment at government hospitals and 652 empanelled private hospitals. The scheme will cover 1,998 medical procedures. Additionally, authorities will issue a digital health employee card to each employee to ensure seamless access.
The government will implement the EHS through the Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care Trust. Employees will contribute 1.5 per cent of their basic pay. Meanwhile, the state government will match their contribution.
Employees are expected to contribute ₹528 crore annually. Consequently, the government will add an equal amount. This will take the total annual outlay to ₹1,056 crore.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reiterated that the government remains committed to employee welfare, health security and family protection. He said the new schemes will strengthen financial security and boost confidence among government employees and pensioners.
