The West Bengal government has extended the deadline for government employees, pensioners and their enrolled beneficiaries to surrender Swasthya Sathi and Ayushman Bharat cards, giving them until November 30 to complete the process.
The revised deadline was announced through an order issued by the state Finance Department after the government found that a considerable number of eligible employees, pensioners and beneficiaries had not completed the required surrender formalities. The original deadline had been set for October 31 under the department’s order dated October 9.
The directions apply to employees and pensioners covered under the West Bengal Health Scheme, including members of the All India Services. Their enrolled beneficiaries who hold Swasthya Sathi or Ayushman Bharat cards are also covered by the instructions.
Under the extended timeline, the concerned individuals must surrender the cards and submit the prescribed declaration, along with proof of surrender, to the designated authorities by November 30. The Finance Department said the additional month would give those who had not complied with the earlier order another opportunity to complete the process.
The extension does not change the other provisions of the October 9 order. The terms, conditions and instructions issued earlier will remain in force, according to the government order. The latest decision therefore changes only the compliance timeline and not the underlying requirements applicable to the affected employees, pensioners and beneficiaries.
The order also directs Heads of Offices, Drawing and Disbursing Officers and Pension Sanctioning Authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the revised deadline. These officials are responsible for communicating the directions to the relevant beneficiaries and processing the declarations and surrender documents.
The order was issued by Khalid A. Anwar, Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, on behalf of the Governor. The revised deadline for surrendering the cards and submitting the required documentation is November 30, after which the existing instructions under the October 9 order will continue to apply.
