Plea in HC on PM crop insurance scheme

Madurai: The Madras high court on Thursday sought a response from the central and state governments on a plea seeking for a direction to the authorities to ensure that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) crop insurance scheme was implemented in Tamil Nadu for the whole year by extending the insurance coverage.A division bench of justice S S Sundar and justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy was hearing a public interest litigation filed by V Jeevakumar of Thanjavur district.The petitioner stated that the premium paid by the farmers varied from 1.5% to 5% of sum insured or actuarial rate, depending upon the nature of the crop as well as for the period of insurance covered. The remaining amount would be equally shared by the central and state governments.The scheme covered the entire year for insurance coverage for both kharif and rabi seasons. For the past three years, the insurance coverage of kharif crops was not provided and the agriculturalists were put to untold misery.In many states, the insurance for kharif season was covered by the concerned state governments and they were getting financial assistance from the Centre. Due to non-implementation of the scheme, Tamil Nadu is losing benefits from the Centre.As per the PMFBY scheme, the insurance coverage shall be for the whole year and banks were also directed to deduct the premium for the whole year. The objective of the scheme can be achieved only if the insurance coverage was extended for the whole year.TNN

Govt's new insurance scheme for gig workers offers Rs 4 lakh cover

The government of Karnataka has launched an insurance scheme with a coverage of Rs 4 lakh for gig workers in the state. The scheme will provide a life insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh and an accidental cover of Rs 2 lakh. The funding for the scheme is yet to be determined, but the government may seek grants from the Centre, funds from employers and employees, as well as corporate social responsibility funding. The exact number of gig workers in Karnataka is unknown, but a report estimates that India has 7.7 million gig workers, which is expected to rise to 90 million by the end of the decade.

Mumbai: 25-year-old govinda paralysed, may never walk; has no insurance cover

A 25-year-old man named Suraj Kadam suffered a severe cervical injury after falling from a human pyramid during a dahi handi celebration in Mumbai. He is now facing the prospect of paralysis of his lower limbs. Suraj is one of 195 people injured during the festivities, with nearly 20 still in hospitals. The incident has left Suraj's family in distress as he may not be able to walk again and requires long-term rehabilitation. Additionally, Suraj did not have any medical coverage as he was not part of a registered dahi handi group.

SBI General Insurances new health cover to offer unlimited `refills

SBI General Insurance has launched a health insurance plan called "Super Health Insurance" that offers various features such as the ability to refill the sum insured if it is used up and a multiplier benefit that provides three times the coverage for severe illnesses. The plan also includes wellness coverage and features like the "Walk Healthy Benefit" that offers a reduction in renewal premium. The plan offers a wide range of sum insured options and additional benefits such as enhanced cumulative bonus and claims shield benefit. SBI General Insurance has dedicated a health vertical to handle claims and offer unique health products.