The “Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme” is launched under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and implemented by the Coconut Development Board. It provides comprehensive insurance coverage for Coconut Tree Climbers, Neera Technicians, and Coconut Harvesters across all coconut-growing states. The scheme offers a sum assured of ₹7.00 lakhs against 24-hour accident-related risks (including death), with an annual premium of ₹956. Out of this, ₹717 is subsidized by the Board and the remaining ₹239 is paid by the beneficiary through DD or online mode. The initiative also aims to attract unemployed youth into agriculture by addressing the shortage of skilled coconut tree climbers through a specialized training program—Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT).
Key Benefits
- Accident Coverage:
- Death/Permanent Total Disability: ₹7,00,000/-
- Permanent Partial Disablement: ₹3,50,000/-
- Hospital Expenses Reimbursement: Up to ₹2,00,000/- (for minimum 24 hours hospitalization)
- Ambulance Charges: ₹3,500/-
- Weekly Compensation (TTD): ₹21,000/- (maximum of 6 weeks at ₹3,500/- per week)
- Bystander Expenses: ₹3,000/- (up to 15 days @ ₹200 per day)
- Funeral Expenses: ₹5,500/- (subject to production of bills)
- Training Benefit:
For trainees undergoing the Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) or Neera Technician Training Programme, the Board bears the full first-year premium from the commencement of training.
Eligibility Criteria
Beneficiaries must be one of the following:
- Coconut Tree Climber
- Neera Technician
- Coconut Harvester
- Trainee under the Board’s skill development programmes
Additional eligibility details:
- Age: 18 to 65 years.
- Responsibilities: Applicants must submit the insurance application in the prescribed format along with all mandatory documents, pay their premium share, maintain safe custody of the policy document/number, report accidents within 72 hours, and submit claim forms with requisite documentation for accident or death claims.
Application Process (Offline)
Applying for Insurance:
- Step 1: Fill the application form (countersigned by an Agriculture Officer/Panchayat President/CPF office bearer/CPC Director) along with the premium share and age proof.
- Step 2: Send the completed form to the Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Kera Bhavan, SRVHS Road, Kochi – 682011, Kerala.
Procedure for Claiming Benefits:
- Step 1: Forward all claim-related documents and correspondence to:
Headquarters: PB No. 1021, KERA BHAVAN, SRV Road, Kochi, Kerala – 682011
Tel: 0484-2376265 | Fax: 0484-2377902
Contact: Statistical Officer
Email: [email protected] - Step 2: For queries regarding claim settlement, contact the New India Assurance Company Ltd at their Divisional Office – I, Jerome Building, 2nd Floor, Fort Station Road, Trichy – 620002.
Documents Required
For Application:
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Age
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Declaration for Assignment and Declaration Form
- Certificate from a competent authority confirming engagement in skilled labour as a Coconut Tree Climber, Neera Technician, or Harvester
- Payment details and any other document required by the Board
In Case of an Accident:
- Original discharge summary/OP ticket
- Original medical bills (certified by a doctor)
- Original lab reports (if any)
- Immobilization Certificate (minimum 5 days continuous disablement required)
- Fitness Certificate
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- FIR/GD/CSR/Police Report (in case of a road accident)
- NEFT details (bank name, branch, account number, IFSC)
- Duly signed claim voucher
In Case of Death:
- Original medical reports and death certificate
- Legal Heirship Certificate
- Post Mortem Report
- FIR, newspaper clipping, viscera report (if any), and inquest report
- NEFT details
- Duly signed claim voucher
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme?
It is an insurance scheme providing coverage for accident-related risks to Coconut Tree Climbers, Neera Technicians, and Coconut Harvesters. - Which department has launched this scheme?
The scheme is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and implemented by the Coconut Development Board. - Who is eligible for the scheme?
Coconut Tree Climbers, Neera Technicians, Coconut Harvesters, and trainees in these fields (aged 18 to 65 years). - What is the annual premium for the insurance?
The annual premium is ₹956, with ₹717 subsidized by the Board and ₹239 contributed by the beneficiary. - What benefits are provided under the scheme?
Benefits include a sum insured of ₹7.00 lakhs for death/total disability, partial disablement, hospital expense reimbursements, ambulance charges, weekly compensation, bystander expenses, and funeral expenses. - In which states is the scheme implemented?
It is implemented in all coconut-growing states. - How can beneficiaries renew their insurance coverage each year?
Renewal procedures are managed by the Coconut Development Board; beneficiaries must follow the prescribed renewal process. - What is the timeline for reporting accidents?
Accidents must be reported within 72 hours of occurrence. - How do beneficiaries claim benefits under the scheme?
Claims are processed by submitting the necessary claim forms and supporting documents to the Coconut Development Board or the designated insurance company. - How can I apply for the scheme?
Applicants must fill out the prescribed application form and send it along with the required documents and premium payment to the Chairman, Coconut Development Board at Kera Bhavan, Kochi.