Telangana Government Deducts EHS Premium Without Health Cards, Employees Fume
The Telangana government has initiated deductions of 1.5 per cent from the salaries of its employees, including doctors, healthcare staff, and teachers, for the Employees Health Scheme (EHS). This decision has sparked widespread frustration as the deductions have been made without the establishment of the EHS trust, the issuance of official guidelines, or the finalisation of agreements with hospitals. Many employees in Hyderabad and across the state expressed shock upon seeing these deductions in their May pay slips.
Employees had anticipated positive news regarding the EHS during the State Formation Day celebrations. Instead, they were met with unexpected salary cuts. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of prior information or official orders from the government before implementing these deductions. Employees claim that their consent was not sought, leading to a feeling of being blindsided by the move.
Details of the Deductions
The deductions for the EHS premium reportedly ranged from Rs 907 to Rs 3,750 per month, varying based on the employee's cadre and position. A particular point of contention is that if both spouses are government employees, premiums were deducted from both their salaries. This has significantly impacted household incomes, especially for families relying on dual government salaries.
Unions React to Unilateral Action
Employees' union leaders have strongly condemned the government's action, asserting that deducting money from salaries without adhering to due legal procedures constitutes a constitutional violation. They argue that employee approval is a mandatory prerequisite for any salary deduction, and the current approach bypasses these legal protections.
TS UTF president Chava Ravi and general secretary A Venkat highlighted the doubts and concerns this hurried implementation has created among employees. They stated that the government should be focused on addressing employee concerns and implementing the health scheme transparently, rather than imposing deductions without necessary preparatory steps. TPTF additional state general secretary Muthyala Ravinder has called for the immediate formulation and release of comprehensive guidelines for EHS implementation. He further demanded that the deducted amounts be credited back to employees' accounts until these guidelines are clearly established.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deduction Amount | 5% of salary, ranging from Rs 907 to Rs 3,750 per month. |
| Affected Groups | Government employees, doctors, healthcare staff, teachers. |
| Key Issues | No EHS trust set up, no guidelines issued, no hospital agreements signed, no prior information, no employee consent. |
| Union Demands | Immediate formulation of EHS guidelines, refund of deducted amounts until guidelines are in place, adherence to legal procedures. |
Impact on Hyderabad Employees
For thousands of government employees residing in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, this unexpected salary deduction has caused financial uncertainty. Many rely on their full salaries for managing household expenses, EMIs, and other financial commitments. The absence of clear guidelines means that employees are paying for a health scheme without understanding its benefits, coverage, or the process for availing services. This lack of clarity is particularly concerning given the importance of healthcare access.
The EHS is intended to provide health benefits, but without signed agreements with hospitals, it remains unclear which healthcare facilities will be empanelled and how employees can access medical treatment under the scheme. This situation creates a significant practical hurdle for employees seeking medical care.
Government's Stance and Future Steps
The Finance department's unilateral decision-making has drawn criticism, with SGTU president K Mahipal Reddy warning that such actions could lead to embarrassment for the State government. Previously, 1,07,926 out of 2,98,888 employees had uploaded their family information as per government directions. However, premiums were deducted from all employees, irrespective of whether they had submitted their details, further increasing confusion and discontent.
Employees and unions are now urging the government to address these grievances promptly. They seek clarity on the EHS framework, including its operational mechanisms, hospital network, and the process for issuing health cards. Until these fundamental aspects are resolved, the deduction of premiums continues to be a source of significant concern and frustration for the government workforce across Telangana.
Source: Telangana Today – https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-govt-deducts-ehs-premium-sans-health-cards-staff-fume