New rule for government employees
The Health Ministry has issued an important clarification regarding CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) for Central Government employees. The ministry has clarified that male central employees can choose either their parents or in-laws as dependents for medical facilities, but this option will be available only once.
What did the Health Ministry say?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) said in the Office Memorandum (OM) issued on 13 May 2026 that this facility already exists under CGHS and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944, but now it has been further clarified.
According to the ministry
A male government employee can choose only once as to whom among his parents or in-laws he wants to include as a dependent family member.
Will not be able to change the decision later
The government has made it clear that once the option is selected, it cannot be changed. That is, if an employee has initially included his parents as dependents in CGHS, later he will not be able to include in-laws, even if the parents die or the circumstances change. Similarly, if mother-in-law and father-in-law have been selected in the beginning, then there will be no option to include parents later.
This facility was already available
The ministry said that this option was given to CGHS beneficiaries in the office memorandum dated July 26, 2023. Later, through the order dated 28 March 2024, this facility was also extended to the employees covered under Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944. The latest order has been issued only to clarify the rules.
What is the definition of family in CGHS?
As per CGHS rules, the family includes spouse and other eligible dependent members.
These include:
- Parents or in-laws (must choose one)
- sister, widow sister
- widow daughter
- minor siblings
- children and stepchildren
- Divorced or separated dependent daughters and their children
What are the rules for children?
- Sons will get benefits till the age of 25 years or marriage (whichever is earlier)
- Daughters will get benefits till marriage
Who will be considered a dependent?
According to CGHS rules, a family member whose total monthly income is less than Rs 9,000 + Dearness Allowance (DA) will be considered dependent. However, this income limit will not be applicable on the spouse of the main CGHS cardholder.
Instructions issued to all ministries
The Health Ministry has sent instructions to all the ministries and departments that this clarification should be conveyed to the concerned authorities and the rules should be strictly followed. After this decision, it is now clear to the central employees that the decision to choose between parents and in-laws under CGHS will be permanent.
