The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has introduced a group insurance scheme specifically for coir workers. Recognizing the inherent risks in coir processing—such as fiber extraction, yarn spinning, and rope manufacturing—the scheme provides an insurance cover against accidental death and permanent disability. This protection extends to both the worker and, in the case of accidental death, to the legal heir.
Benefits
- Accidental Death:
Provides a benefit of ₹50,000. - Permanent Total Disability (PTD):
For cases such as the loss of two eyes or two limbs, or the loss of one eye and one limb, the benefit is ₹50,000. - Permanent Partial Disability (PPD):
For cases such as the loss of one eye or one limb, the benefit is ₹25,000.
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply:
The applicant must be either a disabled coir worker or a nominee (legal heir) of a disabled or deceased coir worker. - Age Criteria (For Disabled Workers):
The worker must be at least 14 years of age. - Disability Criteria:
For a disabled coir worker, the percentage of disability should be at least 40%.
Application Process
Offline Submission of Claim:
- Immediate Notice:
A written notice of claim must be submitted immediately to the insurance company via the Coir Board, including all necessary particulars. - Timing for Claim Notice:
- Death:
The claim notice must be provided before internment/cremation and within one month from the date of death. - Loss of Sight/Amputation:
The notice should be provided within one month from the loss of the respective limb or sight.
- Death:
- Claim Documentation:
For claims involving permanent total or partial disablement (as well as temporary total disablement), the insured must obtain a claim form along with supporting documents such as:- Doctor’s certificate,
- Medical bills,
- Diagnostic reports (e.g., x-rays) to establish the extent of injury.
- Medical Examination:
If required, the insured will be examined by a surgeon or physician from the insurance company’s panel for further verification. - Time Limit:
The capital sum insured is payable only if the accidental death occurs within 12 months from the date of the incident. This provision is to prevent belated claims. - Fatal Claims:
For fatal claims, the nominee or legal heir must submit the post-mortem report and the original death certificate. They must also furnish legal documents (such as probate, succession certificate, or letters of administration) to confirm their entitlement.
Documents Required
For Accidental Death:
- Copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased.
- Copy of the Police Report or FIR.
- Copy of the Post-Mortem Report (if required).
- Copy of the certificate issued by the Coir society/unit/establishment or a document from the designated officer of the Coir Board.
For Permanent Total Disability (PTD):
- Copy of the Police Report or FIR.
- Copy of the Disability Certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner.
- Copy of the certificate issued by the Coir society/unit/establishment or a document from the designated officer of the Coir Board.
For Permanent Partial Disability (PPD):
- Copy of the Police Report or FIR.
- Copy of the Disability Certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner.
- Copy of the certificate issued by the Coir society/unit/establishment or a document from the designated officer of the Coir Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What defines ‘permanent disability’ as per this scheme?
Permanent disability refers to a lasting condition where the worker has lost either two eyes or two limbs, or one eye and one limb (PTD), or one eye or one limb (PPD), as certified by a registered medical practitioner. - What is the maximum financial assistance provided for death due to an accident?
The scheme provides a benefit of ₹50,000 in the event of accidental death. - Are there any benefits for the children of the applicant?
The scheme is designed to provide benefits directly to the insured coir worker or to their nominee/legal heir in the event of accidental death. - Are there any benefits specific to women in this scheme?
The benefits apply uniformly to all eligible coir workers regardless of gender. - I am a 45-year-old khadi weaver. Am I too old to apply for this scheme?
This scheme is specifically for coir workers; eligibility is based on employment in the coir sector and meeting the specified disability and age criteria (minimum 14 years for disabled workers). Your eligibility would depend on your occupation and disability status. - Do I need to be from a particular state to be eligible for this scheme?
The scheme is for coir workers covered under the Ministry of MSME. Eligibility is tied to employment in the coir sector rather than geographic location. - Are there any exclusions to this scheme?
There are no specified exclusions beyond the standard eligibility criteria. The scheme covers accidental death and permanent disability due to work-related incidents.