Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for Coir Workers offers financial security to coir workers by covering accidental death and permanent disability, so that workers or their families have a safety net during sudden crises. Coir Board keeps implementing this scheme under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and the full insurance premium is paid by the Board to the insurance company.
Processing coir needs hard labor such as extracting fibers, spinning yarn, and making ropes, which often exposes workers to physical strain and risky work conditions. If a coir worker meets with an accident while handling machinery or at the worksite, this scheme provides money help. It pays compensation to legal heirs in case of accidental death and supports workers who suffer permanent total or partial disability.
Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for Coir Workers - Introduction
This is a central government group insurance scheme run by Coir Board for people engaged in the coir industry. The Board selects an insurance company by calling quotations and pays the entire premium on behalf of the workers. The insurance company then gives the financial compensation to the disabled coir worker or to the nominee of a disabled or deceased coir worker.
The scheme is open to coir workers across all states in India, and there is no upper age limit to get covered. This makes it a useful income and safety support for families who depend on coir work for their daily living.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for Coir Workers |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary States | All States in India |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
| Implementing Body | Coir Board |
| Benefit Type | Cash Support |
| Covered Workers | Coir workers aged 18 years and above |
| Official Website | my.msme.gov.in |
Benefits
This insurance scheme gives specific money help based on the nature of the injury. The amounts payable under the scheme are given below.
| Condition | Assistance Amount |
|---|---|
| Death due to accident | ₹50,000 |
| Permanent total disability (loss of two eyes or two limbs, or one eye and one limb) | ₹50,000 |
| Permanent partial disability (loss of one eye or one limb) | ₹25,000 |
| Finger cut | Depends on the finger and limited to applicable percentages of the capital sum insured |
For women, who form the majority of the group, the accident cover also includes death and disablement arising out of sterilisation and its complications, pregnancy, childbirth, caesarean hysterectomy, removal of breast, as well as murder and rape. This special provision makes the scheme more helpful for women coir workers.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, you should meet the following requirements.
- You must be a coir worker engaged in the coir industry, aged 18 years and above. There is no upper age limit.
- If you are applying as a disabled coir worker, you can file the claim yourself.
- The nominee of a disabled or deceased coir worker can also apply for the claim on behalf of the worker.
For example, if Ramesh, a 30-year-old coir worker, suffers a workplace injury leading to permanent partial disability, he qualifies for the support. If a tragedy occurs, his nominated family member can file for the benefit instead.
Application Process
To start a claim, you should follow these steps for the offline application process.
STEP 1 - Report the incident in writing to the insurance company through Coir Board immediately, giving all the required details.
STEP 2 - In case of death, send a formal notice before internment or cremation, within one month of the incident.
STEP 3 - For loss of sight or amputation of a limb, file your claim notice within one month.
STEP 4 - For permanent total or partial disability, get a formal claim form and attach a Doctor's certificate, treatment bills, and diagnostic reports such as X-rays to verify the injury.
The claim form can be taken from the Coir Board Head Office or its field offices, and it can also be downloaded from the Coir Board website. The duly filled form should be submitted to the field offices of the Board. The insurance company may ask for an examination by its own panel surgeon or physician to settle the claim. For death claims, the accident must have happened within 12 months before the claim and during the active policy period. Nominees should submit the original death certificate and post-mortem report, and may need to provide legal proof of heirship such as a succession certificate.
Documents
To support your application, you should prepare the following documents based on your situation.
- For accidental death: a copy of the death certificate, a copy of the FIR or police report, a copy of the post-mortem report if asked, and a certificate issued by your coir society, unit establishment, or a nominated Coir Board officer.
- For permanent total or partial disability: a copy of the FIR or police report, a disability certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner, and a certificate issued by your coir society or a nominated Coir Board officer.
Exclusions
The insurance cover does not extend to the following situations.
- Normal or natural causes of death.
- Death or injuries resulting from diseases.
- Incidents not directly linked to an accident.
- Self-inflicted injuries, suicide, or suicide attempts.
- Intentional criminal activities.
- Health issues related to venereal diseases or insanity.
- Injuries sustained under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Events stemming from war, nuclear explosions, or similar perils.
Definitions
Accident
An accident refers to death or disability caused by external, violent, and visible means. This includes events such as drowning, snake bites, automobile accidents, poisoning, falling from trees, lightning, or murder.
Permanent total disability
This is defined as the total loss of two eyes or two limbs, or the loss of one eye and one limb.
Permanent partial disability
This covers the loss of one eye or one limb.
References
For further reading and official details, please visit the MSME official scheme page.
FAQ's
What defines 'permanent disability' as per this scheme?
Permanent total disability includes the loss of two eyes or two limbs, or a combination involving the loss of one eye and one limb. Permanent partial disability covers the loss of one eye or one limb.
What is the maximum money help provided for death due to accident?
You can receive ₹50,000 in the event of accidental death, and the same amount is paid for permanent total disability.
What is the minimum age to be covered under this scheme?
Coir workers aged 18 years and above are covered, and there is no upper age limit for the scheme.
Are there any benefits specific to women in this scheme?
Yes, for women the accident cover also includes death and disablement arising out of sterilisation and its complications, pregnancy, childbirth, caesarean hysterectomy, removal of breast, as well as murder and rape.
Do I need to be from a particular state to be eligible for this scheme?
No, this scheme is open to all eligible coir workers across all states in India.
Are there any exclusions to this scheme?
Yes, the scheme does not cover natural deaths, illnesses, suicides, criminal acts, or injuries sustained under the influence of drugs or alcohol.