Governance Community

Haryana government has officially extended its cashless health facility scheme to encompass all regular government employees in the state. Governor Bandaru Dattatraya and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar ceremoniously distributed Ayushman cards to a section of government employees during the cashless health facility program held on Monday. Originally launched on a pilot basis for government employees of the fisheries and horticulture departments, along with their dependents, from November 1, 2023, the cashless health facility scheme has now been broadened to include all regular government employees. A government spokesperson emphasized that all beneficiaries would experience the advantages of the cashless scheme, with listed procedures being entirely cashless, and hospitals receiving claim approvals from a unified platform within a specified timeframe. The scheme aims to streamline processes, offering more efficient, seamless, hassle-free, and time-bound services to beneficiaries and other stakeholders. It covers six life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac emergencies, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, electric shock, third and fourth stages of cancer, and accidents, alongside all types of indoor treatments and daycare procedures. Under the scheme, an E-card/CCHF card will be issued to beneficiaries for availing benefits in empanelled hospitals. The beneficiaries can access benefits using a payee code, Aadhaar number, or PPP number. Importantly, the entire expenditure incurred under the scheme will be covered by the state government, providing financial relief to government employees and their dependents. This expansion marks a concerted effort by the Haryana government to enhance healthcare accessibility for its employees and underscores a commitment to providing prompt and comprehensive medical services through a cashless and efficient system. The Ayushman cards distributed serve as a tangible representation of the state’s dedication to the health and well-being of its workforce.

The Bihar cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has granted government employee status to approximately 3.5 lakh contractual teachers working in state-run schools. Termed as ‘exclusive teachers,’ these educators will need to successfully pass competency exams to maintain their newfound status as government employees. S Siddharth, the additional chief secretary (cabinet secretariat), highlighted the approval of this proposal by stating, “After being notified by the state government, these contractual teachers will be regarded as ‘exclusive teachers’ with the status of government employees.” The decision, encapsulated in the ‘Bihar School Exclusive Teachers Rules, 2023,’ addresses a long-standing demand from contractual teachers for official recognition. The competency exams will serve as a measure to ensure the quality and capability of these educators, with each teacher given three chances to pass the examination. The state government will determine the agency responsible for conducting the tests and decide on the consequences for those who do not meet the required standards. Notably, the salaries of these ‘exclusive teachers’ will remain unchanged until they successfully clear the competency exams. Subsequently, their pay structure will be revised in accordance with guidelines set by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). Moreover, the cabinet’s decision includes provisions for the promotion of contractual teachers every eight years under the new rule. In addition to this education-focused development, the cabinet also approved a new ‘tourism policy,’ aiming to enhance tourism facilities and provide financial assistance for the promotion of hotels, restaurants, resorts, and the development of tourist facilities along highways and camping sites.