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              Query Query Raised by Individual                    Reply
                No

Please provide the following information under RTI Act, 2005.

1. Number of ECHS cards as on The RTI Act 2005 provides for 31/03/2023 in private, semi- the furnishing of information private and general category which already exists in a

2. Fund in flow separately from written/ recorded/ private, semi-private and microfilmed form. The general category from information asked vide this 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023 and application under the RTI Act expenditure occurred is not available in a written, separately for each category recorded or microfilmed form during the same period. at ECHS. Hence, it cannot be provided.

5) The appeal is therefore disposed of accordingly".

On dated 09.08.2024 reply was furnished by the respondent CPIO in compliance with the orders of FAA stating as under:

"There is no data wrt private, semi-pvt and general category of ECHS beneficiaries as on 31 Mar 2023 available with CO ECHS. However, the current details of ECHS beneficiaries are as follows:-

(a) Private Category - 1,74,294

(b) Semi Pvt Category 17,83,481

(c) General Category - 43,83,382 It is informed that there is no sepaete budget allotted to ECHS for private, Demi private and general category. Further, during the FY 2022-23 (01 Apr 2022 to Mar 2023) total Rs. 54.86 Cr was allotted to ECHS for payment to empanelled hospitals."

4. Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied, appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.

Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:

The following were present:-

Appellant: Mr. K. Ashok Kumar Respondent: Brig. JM Sharma, IHQ of MOD (Army)

5. Proof of having served a copy of Second Appeal on Respondent, while filing the same in CIC, is not available on record.

6. The Appellant inter alia submitted that the information provided by the respondent is incomplete and not in accordance with the queries raised in the RTI application. He submitted that specific category-wise details regarding ECHS cards and fund allocation/expenditure were sought, however, the respondent failed to furnish precise and complete information. He stated that each ECHS card holder pays monthly subscription fee and information must be available with the department.

8. Written submissions dated 11.03.2026 and 17.03.2026 filed by the respondent CPIO is taken on record which states that appellant had filed an RTI application seeking information regarding the number of ECHS cards as on 31.03.2023 in private, semi-private and general categories, along with government funds provided for each category. It is stated that the RTI application dated 12.04.2024 was received on 23.04.2024 and processed with the concerned agency, and based on their inputs, information was provided to the appellant vide letter dated 31.05.2024. It is further stated that the First Appeal was decided on 05.08.2024, wherein the FAA directed provision of additional information, which was duly complied with and furnished to the appellant vide letter dated 09.08.2024. It is stated that the ECHS contribution by Ex-Servicemen is governed by MoD/Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare letter dated 29.12.2017, and that Ex-Servicemen make a one-time contribution upon retirement based on their rank; hence, the appellant's contention regarding a monthly contribution of Rs. 1000/- is incorrect. It is further stated that the contribution towards ECHS is deducted at the time of PPO generation by PCDA (Prayagraj) for JCOs/ORs and PCDA (O) for officers and is remitted directly to the Government Treasury, and that ECHS does not hold any funds under this category. It is also stated that MTRE funds are allotted by the Government of India like other public funds in two phases, i.e., BE and RE, and due to factors such as carry forward liabilities, pending bills, and phased budget release, fund availability remains critical; such funds are disbursed to Regional CDA offices for payment to empanelled hospitals against pending claims upon receipt. Copy of written submissions is found endorsed to the appellant.