1.     The Governing Council Meeting (01/2005) was held at 1100 hrs on 09 Feb 2005 under the Chairmanship of Air Marshal SS Gupta PVSM AVSM VSM (Retd), Sr. Vice President, Air Force Association.

3.     On behalf of President AFA, the chairman welcomed the members to the 1st meeting of the Governing Council in the year 2005. He introduced the new office bearers Sr. VP and VP to the members. He emphasized the need for increasing the membership of AFA to achieve a target of 50,000 during the Silver Jubilee Year. He pointed out that with concerted effort of the office bearers during the last few years, there has been an increase upto 30% in the membership. He appreciated the efforts made in this regard. He also emphasized the need for involvement of Governing Council members to increase subscription to the AFA magazine. He informed that 38,000 copies of the Eagle’s Eye No.30 had been printed and distributed among the members regardless of the fact whether individual has subscribed to the magazine or not.

4. He further informed that AFA during its Silver Jubilee year, plans to hold functions around 15 Sept 05, our Raising Day. A committee under the Chairmanship of Air Marshal Ashok Goel has been formed to work out plans and programmes for the AFA Silver Jubilee Celebration. He again reiterated the involvement of Governing Council members for their suggestions and volunteers to undertake tasks for the Celebrations.

5.     He informed the members that Marshal of the Air Force & Mrs. Arjan Singh Trust has been established and functional.

6     AVM RP Mishra on behalf of the Governing Council members welcomed the President, Sr. VP and VP and assured them of the members continued support and assistance in achieving the aims and objectives of the AFA.

7.     Chairman then directed the Agenda Points to be taken up.

(a)   IT Exemption U/S Sec 80D/80 G: Secretary informed that no formal letter has been received from MOD/ECHS regarding IT Exemption on contribution to ECHS. However, the IT authorities have accepted the same under Section 80 D for those who claimed rebate. Exemption under Section 80 G for donation to AFA is under progress with CBDT.  

(b)    ECHS : As per directions of the Chairman during the last meeting AVM BL Bhan VP, AFA along with AVM RP Mishra and Secretary, AFA met DG ECHS Lt Gen UK Dua (Retd) on 05 Dec 2004. The following points were discussed.

(i)      Empanelment of Hospitals/Polyclincis- As per DG ECHS, 1500 Hospitals/Diagnostic Centres are expected to be empanelled by March 2005. He emphasized the Regional Centres should initiate action within their jurisdiction for empanelment of Hospitals and setting up of Polyclinics. AVM RP Mishra informed that DG, ECHS had agreed to change of location of Polyclinic at Gurgoan. He has consulted Zila Sainik Board and other members of the Association on the subject and identified two locations i.e. 54 ASP and Air Force Transmitting Station, ideal for polyclinic due to easy access and transportability. Chairman directed that proposal be sent to Air HQs for their perusal and approval.

(ii)      Supply of Medicines to the patients – Procurement procedures both through Govt sources & local purchases have been streamlined and hoped that ECHS members will be issued medicines on regular basis.

(iii)      Re-imbursement of Bills – Action is in hand to clear the outstanding bills of Ex-servicemen at the earliest.

(iv)      Re-activation of Smart Cards – Remedial action has been taken to avoid repetition of problems faced by the ECHS members.

(v)      Recovery of Medical Treatment Expenses for ECHS members – Suitable instructions have been issued to all empanelled Hospitals that no ECHS member is required to pay any expenses. However, any case of harassment be brought to the notice of ECHS.

(vi)     Referrals by Polyclinics - Empanelled Hospitals authorised by Government were based on the ECHS Scheme. Efforts are being made for the enlargement of facilities with empanelled hospitals so that patient is not put to unnecessary inconvenience in treatment or diagnostic.

(vii)    Authorisation of Denture - Action is in hand to authorise Private Dental Clinics under ECHS for Dentures. These Clinics will be affiliated to particular Clinics where dentist has been authorised.

EXISTING SLAB

NEW SLAB

CONTRIBUTION

10.     He further informed that refund of excess remittance to ECHS subscription over and above will be afforded by the concerned PCDA/CDA to the beneficiaries on receipt on a pre-receipted contingent bill duly countersigned by ECHS authorities alongwith a Xerox copy of the MRO. This is applicable for those members who have enrolled themselves after 01 Apr 2004.

10.    Wg Cdr MR Gupta suggested that members of the Governing Council should be allotted one Branch for visiting and motivating the people to become the members of the AFA. Travelling expense of second class fare be paid for the visits. The same should be applicable to Branch Presidents when attending the Governing Council Meeting once in 2 years at Head Office. Wg Cdr JN Sahay (Retd) stated that Branch Presidents have voluntarily accepted the post for ensuring that aims & objectives of AFA are implemented within their jurisdiction. He was of the opinion that we should be practical in suggesting such measures which could be implemented with grace and honour. Similar views were expressed by HFL SP Singh and HFO J Chatterjjee. After deliberations it was decided that existing arrangements to continue.

11.     Exemption of Toll Tax for Retired Defence Personnel - Secretary read out the contents of the Government letter regarding exemption of Toll Tax. As per the directive, only regular Defence Personnel are exempted from paying Toll Tax even travelling by Private vehicles. It is not applicable for Ex-Defence personnel.

12.     Railway concession for Self & Spouse for Ex-Defence Personnel - At present all Ex-Railway employees are entitled to Railway Concession for self & spouse once a year. Similar concession may be extended to Ex-Defence Personnel. Chairman directed that matter be pursued with MOD, Defence Personnel. Chairman directed that matter be pursued with MOD, even though the matter was earlier taken up with the Government.

13.     Secretary informed that AFA had taken up a case with Adjutant General, Army and DG, ECHS for association with ECHS in advisory capacity. It was turned down on the plea that no ESM organisation could be associated with ECHS functioning. However, they could render their suggestions for the consideration of the ECHS Organisation.

(a)      HFO J Chatterjjee (Retd)- Requirement of visiting DPDO/DPDA once a year for verification even though individual is drawing pension through Nationalised Bank. Treasurer informed that matter was taken up with CDA, Meerut and it was not agreed to. However, provision exists in the rules that pensioners who are sick, old, infirm and unable to visit DPDO office for the purpose of their Annual Identification can submit their Life Certificate duly signed by an Gazetted Officer or Retired Commissioned Officer. If reasonable number of pensioners are residing in remote area and far distance from DPDO office, annual identification camps can be organised by DPDO, if such request is received from pensioners. Chairman directed that case be pursued with CDA in this regard.

(b)     AVM RP Mishra (Retd) – AVM RP Mishra proposed that the schedule of the Governing Council Meetings may please be finalisedo n a particular day in a quarter, so that the members can adjust their plans. Secretary informed that this meeting was scheduled at short notice as the President, Sr. VP and VP on assumption of their appointment were to be briefed/introduced to the members. Chairman decided that the matter would be discussed in the next meeting and schedule would be decided.

14.    Chairman in his closing address thanked the members for their participation and contribution in deliberation of the meeting. Chairman once again requested the members for their suggestions for planning AFA Silver Jubilee Celebrations.

15.     There being no further points, the meeting came to close at 1300 hrs.