In a significant update aimed at ensuring transparency and efficient service delivery, the Central Organisation ECHS, under the Adjutant General’s Branch, Integrated HQ of MoD (Army), has released a detailed circular dated 10 June 2025. This directive outlines the newly structured process of annual validation for all dependents (excluding spouses) holding 64KB ECHS cards. The move follows comprehensive feedback from field units and applies to all Regional Centres, Armed Forces Headquarters, and empanelled IT service providers.
🔍 What Is the Annual Validation?
The Annual Validation of ECHS Dependent Membership is a now-compulsory process that takes place every 15 months. The Primary ECHS Beneficiary (i.e., the Ex-Serviceman or pensioner) is required to submit eligibility documents to confirm the continued financial dependency of their dependents. Spouses are exempt, but all other dependents—such as children and parents—must undergo this process.
📌 Key Highlights of the Circular
1. Annual Validation Cycle Now Extended to 15 Months
Previously fixed at 12 months, the validation cycle has now been extended to 15 months, effective from 15 June 2025. The ECHS card validity will only be extended once the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Parent Polyclinic approves the eligibility documents uploaded online.
2. Automated Reminders and Alerts
Beneficiaries will receive system-generated alerts for upcoming validations via:
- Polyclinic kiosks during authentication
- ECHS web portal dashboard upon login
- ECHS Mobile App notifications
These alerts are designed to ensure timely compliance and to prevent any disruption in medical benefits.
3. Essential Documents for Validation
The Primary Beneficiary must upload the following documents online:
- Eligibility Certificate for each dependent
- PAN Card or Income Certificate (if PAN is unavailable) issued by the State Revenue Department
- Form 26AS (for the past two financial years) if PAN is available
Additionally, the Primary Beneficiary must declare that each dependent’s income does not exceed ₹9,000/month (excluding DA). For parents, the combined income should not exceed this threshold.
4. Role of OIC, Parent Polyclinic
The uploaded documents will be verified by the OIC of the Parent Polyclinic:
- If all documents are correct, the annual validation will be approved, extending the card’s validity by 15 months.
- In case of discrepancies, the application will be rejected with remarks. Beneficiaries must address the issues and re-submit the application.
- The OIC can also request additional documents, especially in the case of parents.
5. Consequences of Non-Compliance
If the annual validation is not completed:
- The dependent’s 64KB ECHS card will be disabled.
- No ECHS medical services can be availed.
- Emergencies will not override the requirement for prior validation.
6. Reinstatement for Previously Disqualified Dependents
If a dependent was disqualified earlier due to exceeding the income limit, they may reapply if their income has remained below ₹9,000/month (excluding DA) for two consecutive financial years. Form 26AS or a valid Income Certificate must be provided for proof.
7. Lifetime Waiver for Certain Categories
Two groups are eligible for a one-time annual validation followed by lifetime exemption:
- White Card Holders under PWD Act
- Dependents aged 80 years or above
This initiative aims to ease the burden on the elderly and differently-abled.
8. Supersession of All Previous Circulars
This directive supersedes all earlier guidelines issued by Central Organisation ECHS regarding the annual validation process. It is essential for all stakeholders to adhere to this latest policy.
🛠️ Action Checklist for Primary Beneficiaries
- ✅ Log in at ECHS Portal
- ✅ Upload PAN/Income Certificate and Form 26AS
- ✅ Submit the online declaration
- ✅ Track application status and re-submit if required
- ✅ Repeat validation every 15 months or as per the updated schedule
🧾 Important Notes
- Cards validated on or after 15 June 2025 will follow the new 15-month cycle.
- Cards validated before 15 June 2025 will remain on the previous annual schedule.
- One-time validation still required for white card holders and 80+ age dependents.
👨💻 Final Thoughts
The ECHS’s latest move is aimed at ensuring genuine eligibility, preventing misuse of healthcare services, and promoting fair access to entitled beneficiaries. Ex-Servicemen are encouraged to assist dependents—especially elderly parents and those less tech-savvy—with this process.
Prompt compliance is crucial to prevent any interruption in medical services and to ensure the continued well-being of all dependent family members.
Issued in Public Interest by ESM Corner
For Assistance: Contact your nearest ECHS Polyclinic or visit the official ECHS portal.
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