AI SummaryMahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana is a state-sponsored insurance scheme for handloom weavers in Odisha, providing financial security against natural death, accidental death, and varying degrees of disability, along with scholarship support for their children.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana - Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana stands as a big social security scheme started during 2005-06 by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of the Government of Odisha. This scheme helps handloom weavers get better insurance cover against risks such as natural death, accidental death, and total or partial disability.
Originally rooted in the Government of India Bunkar Bima Yojana from 2003, this version adds elements of Janshree Bima Yojana and extra group insurance parts run in partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). It works as a safety net for the weaving community.
The main aims include:
- Giving reliable insurance cover to handloom weavers for natural death, accidental death, and disability incidents.
- Keeping smooth administrative support through the state handloom authority and LIC.
State authorities, including handloom corporations and cooperative societies, work actively to promote this scheme and make weavers aware of it. The total annual premium is ₹ 330, shared as shown in the table below:
| Contributor | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Government of India | 150 |
| Weaver Contribution | 80 |
| LIC Contribution | 100 |
To keep the coverage active, make sure the premium is paid on the due date. Once paid, the premium is non-refundable. The State Director in-charge of Handlooms and their field offices act as the nodal agencies for all matters regarding the insurance.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Family |
| State | Odisha |
| Category | Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Education and Learning, Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Family |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Textiles and Handloom Department |
| Implementing Agency | Office of the State Director-in-charge of Handlooms and Textiles |
| Open Date | 2005-04-01 |
| Close Date | 2012-12-31 |
Benefits
Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana offers strong protection to registered handloom weavers through the following benefits:
- Natural Death: A sum assured of ₹ 60,000 is paid to the nominee.
- Accidental Death or Total Permanent Disability: A sum assured of ₹ 1,50,000 is paid to the nominee or the weaver.
- Partial Disability: A sum assured of ₹ 75,000 is provided to the weaver.
- Scholarship: Children covered under the Shiksha Sahyog Yojana receive ₹ 600 per six months for a maximum of four years while studying in standards IX to XII.
Eligibility
A weaver qualifies for the benefits of Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana if these conditions are met:
- The weaver earns at least 50% of total income from handloom weaving.
- The weaver is aged between 18 and 59 years.
- The weaver is a member of a State Handloom Development Corporation or a Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society.
- If working outside a cooperative, the weaver can still enroll by getting an eligibility certificate from the State Directorate of Handlooms.
- Scholarship support is available for up to two children of the member.
For example, if Ramesh is a 40-year-old weaver in Odisha earning his living primarily through his loom, he can apply for this coverage to protect his family.
Application Process
Offline Enrollment
Details and updates can be checked on the official portal.
Process
- Get the application-cum-nomination form from the local nodal agency or LIC office.
- Fill out the form with accurate details and submit it to the nodal agency along with the share of the premium.
- The nodal agency will verify the eligibility and process the application.
- Once verified, the LIC will issue an insurance card in the local language. Keep this for records.
- In the event of a claim, submit the required documents to the LIC through the nodal agency. The agency must forward the claim within 15 days, and the LIC will aim to settle it within one month.
- For the scholarship, submit the separate scholarship form to the nodal agency. This benefit is provided to children of members enrolled in the main scheme.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application and for claim submission:
- Proof of identity such as the Aadhar Card.
- In case of claims: Death certificate, post-mortem report, medical certificate, or hospital discharge summary.
- Police inquiry report for accidental death claims.
- A photocopy of the first page of the bank passbook showing account details.
References
FAQ's
What is the benefit under Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana?
The scheme provides insurance cover for natural death, accidental death, and total or partial disability to handloom weavers.
How much does the nominee receive in case of natural death?
In the event of natural death, the nominee receives a sum assured of ₹ 60,000.
How much is the payout for accidental death?
For accidental death, the scheme provides a sum assured of ₹ 1,50,000.
How is the money transferred to the beneficiary?
Payment is typically made via an account payee cheque issued to the beneficiary or nominee, coordinated through the nodal agency.
What is the age limit to participate?
The weaver must be between 18 and 59 years old to be eligible.
Are female weavers eligible for this scheme?
Yes, all weavers, irrespective of gender, are welcome to enroll in the scheme.
Where do I get the application form?
Application forms are provided to the designated nodal agencies by the LIC.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Submit a child-specific scholarship application form to the nodal agency; the member must be active in Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana to qualify.