Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme For Coir Workers

Working in the coir sector involves continuous engagement with machinery and physical effort, which can sometimes lead to accidents. Recognising these risks, the Ministry of MSME initiated the Coir Workers Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. This scheme aims to offer financial relief to coir workers and their families by providing insurance against accidental death and disability, ensuring that your hard work is backed by strong support from the government.

What is the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for Coir Workers?

The Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for Coir Workers was launched on 1st December 1998. It is a welfare scheme managed by the Coir Board under the Ministry of MSME. The scheme insures you, as a coir worker, against the risk of accidents that may occur during your work or even outside your workplace. The premium for this policy is fully paid by the Coir Board, so you do not have to worry about the cost.

Objectives of the Coir Workers Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme

• To reduce the financial hardships faced by coir workers and their families due to accidental injuries or death.
• To improve your overall living and working conditions by providing a safety net.
• To encourage younger generations to join the coir industry by making it a safer profession.

Key Features of the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme

• The scheme covers accidental death, permanent total disability, and permanent partial disability.
• The scheme provides compensation to legal heir of coir workers who meet with accidental death and compensation to coir workers who sustain permanent total disability or permanent partial disability.
• The scheme will cover 4 lakhs coir workers all over India.
• The scheme covers self-employed, organisation employed working in either recognised or unrecognised body but identifiable by the Coir Board as being bonafide coir worker.
• The scheme covers all coir workers aged 14 years and above engaged in coir industry (no upper limit)
• The scheme selects insurance companies based on quotation. The financial compensation is provided by insurance company to coir worker or nominee of coir worker.
• The maturity period of the cover is annual, renewable every year.
• There is no specified interest rate as the scheme is an insurance, not a savings plan.
• The premium is fully sponsored by the Coir Board for all eligible coir workers.

Financial Assistance Offered for Coir Workers

You are eligible for the following financial compensation:

The exact amount for partial disability depends on the nature and percentage of disability, such as finger amputation or partial loss.

Note:

• The claim must be filed within one month of the incident.
• In case of death, compensation is provided to your legal heir.
• The entire premium for nearly 4 lakh coir workers is paid by the Coir Board directly to the insurance company.

Eligibility Criteria for Coir Workers Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme

Eligibility

You can apply if:

• You are a coir worker aged 14 years or above.
• You are engaged in coir fibre extraction, spinning, weaving, or related activities.
• You are a nominee or legal heir of a coir worker who suffered accidental death.
• You have at least 40% disability if applying as a disabled coir worker.
• You are eligible in case of accidental death, permanent total disability and permanent partial disability 

Non-Eligibility 

You are not eligible if:

• The cause is natural death or illness unrelated to an accident.
• The accident was a result of self-injury, suicide, or attempted suicide.
• The disability/death resulted from intoxication, drugs, or criminal activity.
• Claims are linked to war, nuclear incidents, or insanity.

Documents Required for Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme

• Application/Claim form (obtained from Coir Board or related offices)
• Death certificate (in case of death)
• Police report or FIR
• Post-mortem report (if required)
• A Disability certificate from a registered medical practitioner
• Certificate from the coir unit, society, or a nominated Coir Board officer
• Proof of nomination/legal heir (succession certificate, etc.)

How to Apply for the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme

Step 1: Approach the designated Coir Board office or local authority responsible for the scheme.

Step 2: Collect and fill out the claim/application form with all necessary details.

Step 3: Attach all supporting documents such as police reports, medical certificates, and proof of employment.

Step 4: Submit your application and documents to the Coir Board office.

Step 5: Wait for verification by the insurance company (selected by calling quotations) or Coir Board

Step 6: In case of approval, you or your nominee will receive the compensation directly.

Benefits of Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme

• Accidental Death Coverage
  If you lose your life in an accident, your nominee receives a lump-sum compensation, which will support your family financially.
• Permanent Total Disability Support
  If an accident leaves you totally disabled, you get a lump-sum payment, helping you and your family manage living expenses.
• Partial Disability Benefit
  For partial disabilities like loss of limbs or sight, you receive compensation based on the severity, ensuring medical and daily needs are met.
• No Premium Payment
  You do not need to pay any premium, as it is fully covered by the Coir Board.
• Hassle-Free Application
  The claim process is straightforward with assistance available via the Coir Board offices, ensuring a smooth experience for you.

Real-World Examples of Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme

• Saraswati, a 60 year old coir mat weaver from Odisha, tripped in her workplace & got bedridden. She filed a claim under the scheme and received ₹50,000 for sustaining permanent total disability
• Ramesh,a 50 year old fibre extraction worker from Tamil Nadu, died in a truck accident while delivering coir fibre. His family filed a claim under the scheme and received ₹50,000 for accident death benefit.
• Raju, a 36 year old coir artisans from Odisha, lost visions in one eye due to coir dust & fibre splinters. He filed a claim under the scheme and received ₹25,000 for partial disability.

Related Government Support Plans with the Scheme

Final Words

If you are a coir worker or managing a coir-based MSME, the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for Coir Workers offers powerful protection. It’s free, easy to access, and designed to give peace of mind to you and your family. Make sure your team is enrolled and safe.