Yash Khajuria
Leh, Sept 03: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has announced a significant increase in the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for pensioners who retired before the formation of the Union Territory. Effective from April 1, 2020, these pensioners will now receive a monthly medical allowance of Rs 1,000, aligning their benefits with those who retired after the creation of the Union Territory.
The decision comes after numerous representations were made by the pre-UT pensioners, who were previously receiving a medical allowance of Rs 300 per month. This lower amount was in stark contrast to the Rs 1,000 per month provided to pensioners who retired post-UT formation, sparking calls for parity in the benefits.
The disparity arose due to the transfer of pension cases to the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), New Delhi, after Ladakh became a Union Territory. While pensioners retiring after the formation of Ladakh as a Union Territory were automatically entitled to the increased FMA, those who retired before the change continued to receive the previous amount.
In response to these concerns, the Ladakh Administration, under the guidance of Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Advisor and Secretary Finance of the Union Territory, conducted a thorough review in light of the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare Office Memorandum No. 4/34/2017-P&PW(D) dated July 19, 2017. Following this review, the decision to raise the FMA for all eligible pensioners was taken.
This move brings much-needed relief to the older pensioners of Ladakh, ensuring they receive equitable medical benefits in line with their counterparts across the country.
This adjustment is anticipated to provide significant relief to many pensioners, ensuring they can better manage their medical needs and achieve parity with their post-formation counterparts. The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of its pensioners and improving their quality of life.
