Can an Ex-Government Employee with CGHS Benefits Also Get ESIC Coverage?

Can an ex-government employee who has CGHS benefits be covered under ESIC?

CGHS or ESIC are both active as long as the person is contributing, and thereafter for up to 9 months only. It is the employer's duty to ensure that all employees of the registered establishment earning below ₹15,000 gross wages are enrolled under the scheme and pay contributions.

Thanks for the reply. So in case if the employee has CGHS card but gross salary is below ESIC limit, then we have to make necessary contributions irrespective of the other coverage.

Employers have no authority to grant any exemptions; they have to maintain the rules of establishment coverage and contribution. At the time of getting a "smart card," the employee may declare his/her CGHS status to ESIC officials. If the ESIC verifies it, they may attach both in a single row (usually, both run parallel and do not get attached mostly) so that the employee would not experience any lapses in benefits from either side. However, this does not exempt him/her from making contributions.

Retired government employees can continue availing CGHS facilities subject to conditions. It is an exceptional case when such retired persons are reemployed and covered by ESIC. It is better if instructions are sought from ESIC.