Details about Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme: A Comprehensive Safety Net for Coconut Tree Climbers
The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme is a Group Personal Accident Insurance initiative designed to protect coconut tree climbers, Neera technicians, and coconut harvesters. Launched by the Coconut Development Board under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, this scheme is implemented in partnership with public insurance companies.
Key Features:
- Annual Premium: ₹375, with the Coconut Development Board covering 75% and the beneficiary covering 25%.
- First-Year Coverage: For trainees enrolled in the Board’s skill development programs like the Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) and Neera Technician Training Programme, the first-year premium is fully paid by the Board.
- Renewal: Beneficiaries need to renew their insurance annually by paying a nominal contribution of ₹94.
- Coverage Area: The scheme is available in all coconut-growing states in India.
Objective:
- The scheme aims to attract unemployed youth to the agriculture sector by addressing the shortage of skilled coconut tree climbers.
- The Board’s Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) program provides specialized training in coconut tree climbing, plant management, and protection techniques, helping trainees develop skills that are in high demand.
This insurance scheme ensures safety and financial security for coconut tree climbers, empowering them to pursue this vital profession with confidence.
Benefits of Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme
The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme offers a range of benefits to coconut tree climbers, Neera technicians, and harvesters in the event of an accident. Here’s a breakdown of the coverage provided:
- Accidental Death or Permanent Total Disability: ₹5,00,000 insured.
- Permanent Partial Disability: ₹2,50,000 insured.
- Hospital Expenses Reimbursement: Up to ₹1,00,000 for hospitalization (minimum 24 hours).
- Ambulance Charges: ₹3,000 covered.
- Weekly Compensation for Temporary Total Disability (TTD): ₹18,000 (up to 6 weeks @ ₹3,000 per week, with a maximum of 1 claim per year).
- Bystander Expenses During Hospitalization: ₹3,000 (up to 15 days @ ₹200 per day).
- Funeral Expenses in Case of Accidental Death: ₹5,000 (subject to bill submission).
Additionally, for trainees undergoing skill development under the Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) or Neera Technician Training Programme, the Coconut Development Board fully covers the first-year insurance premium, starting from the day training begins.
This comprehensive coverage ensures safety and financial security for those involved in coconut tree climbing, helping them focus on their work with peace of mind.
What is the eligibility criteria for Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme?
To qualify for the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Occupation: Must be a Coconut Tree Climber, Neera Technician, Coconut Harvester, or Trainee in the related skill development programs.
- Age Requirement: Must be between 18 and 65 years old.
Responsibilities of Beneficiaries:
- Application Submission: Complete the insurance application in the prescribed format with all required documents.
- Premium Payment: Pay your share of the annual premium, which is ₹94, either online or via demand draft.
- Policy Document: Safeguard the policy document or policy number received from the Board.
- Accident Reporting: Report any accidents within 72 hours to the Board.
- Claim Submission: Submit the claim form along with necessary documents to the Board in case of accidents or hospitalization to receive benefits under the scheme.
Premium Breakdown:
- Annual Premium: ₹375
- Board’s Contribution: ₹281
- Beneficiary’s Contribution: ₹94
For trainees in the Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) or Neera Technician Training Programme, the first-year premium of ₹375 is fully covered by the Board. After the first year, beneficiaries must renew the policy annually by paying ₹94.
How to apply for Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme?
Applying for Insurance:
- Application form duly filled in and countersigned by Agriculture officer/Panchayath President/CPF office bearers/CPC Directors along with premium share and age proof needs to be sent to Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Kera Bhavan, SRVHS Road, Kochi – 682011, Kerala. CLICK HERE to download the application form.
Procedure for applying claim:
- All claim-related documents/correspondence have to be forwarded to the office of the Coconut Development Board given below:
Headquarters: PB No. 1021, KERA BHAVAN, SRV Road, Kochi, Kerala – 682011,
Tel: 0484 – 2376265, Fax: 0484 – 2377902,
Contact person: Statistical Officer
Email: ho-stats@coconutboard.gov.in
For any discrepancies/queries on claim settlement, you may contact:
Office of The New India Assurance Company Limited for implementation of KESRI:
The New India Assurance Company Ltd, Divisional Office – I(730900), Jerome Building, 2nd Floor, Fort Station Road, Trichy -620 002
What are the documents required to apply for Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme?
For applying under the scheme:
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of age
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Declaration for Assignment
- Declaration Form
- Certificate issued by competent authority stating that the applicant is currently engaged in skilled labour as a Coconut Tree Climber/Neera Technician/Harvester
- Payment details
- Any other document, as required
In case of Accident:
- Original Discharge summary/ OP Ticket
- Original Medical Bills ( duly certified by a doctor)
- Original Lab reports(if any)
- Immobilizations Certificate (Minimum 5 days continuous disablement is required)
- Fitness Certificate
- Disability Certificate (In case of disablement due to accident)
- FIR/GD Entry/CSR/Police Report (In case of road accident)
- NEFT details (Bank name, Branch, Account Number and IFSC)
- Duly signed claim voucher
In case of Death:
- Original Medical Reports
- Original Death Certificate
- Legal Heirship certificate
- Post Mortem Report
- FIR
- Newspaper cutting
- Viscera Report (if any)
- Inquest Report
- NEFT details (Bank name, Branch, Account Number and IFSC)
- Duly signed claim voucher