There is some good news for the retired employees of Air India. They will be covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), which provides comprehensive health care services to its beneficiaries. That means, they need not worry about their hospitalisation needs post retirement now, as reported by Economic Times.
Of the 50,000 retired staff members of Air India, a significant 30,000 have opted for the post-retirement medical cover. Of the present about 10,000-strong workforce, about 5,000 will superannuate by 2026. All of the retirees will be able to seek the CGHS facility for their OPD needs and the National Health Insurance Scheme for their hospitalisation needs.
According to the deal wherein Air India was sold to the Tata Group, the Indian government had sought formal assurance from Tata Sons that Air India employees would be retained for a year. That is, they will not be rendered jobless or terminated for 12 months.
After a year from transfer of ownership, the Tata Group may offer the employees a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS), if it decides to retrench them.
The Government is trying to work out ways to restore the salaries and allowances of the pilots of the Airline in a staggered manner. They may even get to own some shares of the Airline before the final handing over happens.
The sale of the loss-making national carrier to the Tata Group was a landmark divestment exercise that finally took place in 2021. However, the formal procedures are yet to be completed.
