LI Network
Published on: 18 August 2023 at 18:59 IST
The Delhi High Court has granted the city government a “final opportunity” to submit its response regarding the provision of free or cashless medical facilities to retired employees of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
The court stated that if the Delhi government fails to submit its reply, the finance secretary of the government will be required to appear in person in the court on September 19.
A bench consisting of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula observed that the court had previously given the Delhi government time to file an affidavit about the actions taken in this matter, but no response has been received.
“The issue pertains to medical facilities for retired DTC employees. Despite granting previous extensions, no counter affidavit has been presented. As a final concession, the Delhi government is granted four more weeks to file its counter affidavit. Failing this, its Finance Secretary shall appear in person before the court,” the bench stated.
The court mentioned that if the affidavit is filed before the next hearing date, September 19, the officer will be exempted from appearing in person.
In September of the previous year, the high court took notice of a letter sent by a retired DTC employee, which highlighted that medical facilities were being provided exclusively to current officials under the Delhi Government Employees Health Scheme (DGEHS) and not to pensioners.
The PIL committee of the high court recommended treating the letter as a public interest litigation.
The bench issued notices to the Delhi government and DTC, requesting their response to the PIL.
The letter from the retired DTC employee called for authorities to ensure free or cashless medical facilities for retired corporation staff. Instead of medical facilities, pensioners are currently receiving Rs 500 per month, which is causing issues for thousands of retired DTC employees seeking medical treatment.
The letter further highlighted the hardships faced by pensioners, emphasizing that serious illnesses could deplete a retiree’s life savings in one go. The retiree suggested providing cashless medical treatment for pensioners in exchange for the current fixed monthly medical allowance of Rs 500.
Additionally, the retiree mentioned his son’s use of CGHS facilities but explained that he couldn’t list him as a dependent due to the pension he was receiving.