CGHS CG Employees Can Choose Either Parents or Parents-in-Law Only Once for Medical Benefits
Central Government Employees Get One-Time Option to Choose Parents or Parents-in-Law Under CGHS & CS(MA) Rules
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued an important Office Memorandum (OM) dated 13 May 2026 regarding medical facilities for Central Government employees under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 [CS(MA) Rules].
Download CGHS One time option to choose parents or parents in law in PDF
The new clarification reiterates that eligible Central Government employees can avail a one-time option to choose either their parents or parents-in-law as dependent family members for medical benefits under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules.
Key Highlights of the OM
One-Time Choice for Male Government Employees
As per the clarification issued by the Ministry:
-
A male Central Government employee can choose either:
- Parents, or
- Parents-in-law
as dependent family members for availing medical facilities.
- This option can be exercised only once.
Option Cannot Be Changed Later
The Ministry has clearly stated that once the employee exercises the option:
- If the employee chooses parents, he cannot later switch to parents-in-law.
- Similarly, if parents-in-law are chosen initially, the employee cannot later opt for parents.
This restriction will apply even in situations such as:
- Death of parents
- Change in family circumstances
- Any other later developments
Applicable Under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules
The clarification applies to beneficiaries covered under:
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
- Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944
The benefits will be available subject to:
- Dependency conditions
- Eligibility criteria
- Existing provisions under the respective rules/schemes
Background of Earlier Orders
The Ministry referred to earlier Office Memorandums issued on:
- 03.03.1987
- 26.07.2023
- 28.03.2024
Through these earlier orders, the facility of choosing either parents or parents-in-law was extended to eligible Central Government employees and CS(MA) beneficiaries.
Instructions to Ministries and Departments
All Ministries and Departments have been requested to:
- Circulate the contents of the OM
- Ensure strict compliance
- Inform all concerned employees
Why This Order is Important
This clarification removes confusion regarding dependency declarations under CGHS and CS(MA) Rules. Employees must now carefully exercise their option because:
- The decision is permanent
- No future modification will be allowed
- Proper dependency documentation will remain essential
The order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed digitally by Unni Krishnan T, Under Secretary to the Government of India.