Telangana EHS Trust Board Restructuring Draws Criticism Over Exclusion of CPS Union
The Telangana government has reconstituted the EHS Trust Board, drawing sharp criticism from the Telangana State Contributory Pension Scheme Employees Union. The union, representing 2.6 lakh members, alleges unfair exclusion from the board, raising concerns about future healthcare policy and benefits.
Highlights
- •The Telangana government has restructured the EHS Trust Board into a 30-member committee.
- •The TSCPSEU has criticized the government for excluding CPS employees from the board.
- •Union leaders argue that their representation is vital given they represent 2.6 lakh employees.
- •Retired CPS employees are struggling to access EHS benefits due to mandatory contribution requirements.
The Telangana state government recently announced a significant restructuring of the EHS (Employees' Health Scheme) Trust Board. This administrative overhaul, formalized through GO Ms No. 40 by the department of health, medical and family welfare, establishes a 30-member committee. This board, which operates under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, consists of senior government officials along with various representatives from employees' and pensioners' associations.
Controversy Over EHS Trust Board Composition
The primary objective behind the creation of this board is to enhance the overall effectiveness of the EHS framework. However, the government's decision to finalize the committee's structure has triggered immediate backlash from the Telangana State Contributory Pension Scheme Employees Union (TSCPSEU). The union has publicly criticized the move, highlighting that it was completely excluded from the newly formed EHS Trust Board.
The leadership of the TSCPSEU, including state president G. Sthithaprajna, general secretary Kalvala Srikanth, and treasurer Naresh Goud, expressed profound disappointment regarding this omission. They noted that the union represents approximately 2.6 lakh employees and teachers across the state. The union leaders argue that given the size of their membership, they deserved a seat on the board, especially considering that other teacher and pensioner organizations were granted representation.
Impact on Government Employees and Pensioners
The absence of any representative from the TSCPSEU on a body tasked with shaping future healthcare policies for government staff has raised serious concerns. Many employees and teachers now fear that their specific needs and benefits may be overlooked under the revised EHS model. The union has maintained a decade-long struggle for the abolition of the CPS, and they believe their active participation is essential for protecting the interests of their members.
Furthermore, the union emphasized the mounting difficulties faced by retired members. Records indicate that 2,316 CPS employees have already retired. Many of these retirees currently struggle to access EHS benefits because they are unable to manage the mandatory contribution of 1.5 percent of their last drawn basic pay. By excluding the very union fighting for these workers, the EHS Trust Board faces scrutiny regarding its inclusivity and its ability to address the genuine hardships faced by retired government personnel in Telangana.
