7th Pay Commission: The Central Government has taken a significant step towards making healthcare facilities more inclusive. The Central Government, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), has decided to extend medical benefits to transgender dependents under the Central Health Services Scheme (CGHS) and the Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944. Now, transgender children and siblings of central government employees and pensioners will be able to avail these benefits, irrespective of age. This step is being considered a major step towards inclusivity and social justice.
What is the circular?
According to a recent office memorandum, transgender children and siblings dependent on central government employees and pensioners will now be able to receive medical benefits regardless of age. This means that age will no longer be a barrier for these dependents, and they will be entitled to full medical facilities.
This government move is considered a significant initiative towards ensuring equality, social justice, and inclusiveness for the transgender community. This will also guarantee health protection for transgender dependents in the families of central government employees. This decision is in accordance with the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The government order, dated September 16, 2025, clarifies that transgender children or siblings will be eligible for these benefits only if they are fully financially dependent. The definition and income limit for this have already been set out in a 2016 notification by the Ministry of Health. Also, the beneficiaries must have a certificate issued by the District Magistrate, which is valid under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
