Doordarshan, AIR to publicise insurance schemes launched by PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: The finance ministry is seeking wide publicity for the claim settlement procedures under the two insurance schemes announced by the Prime Minister in May. The idea is to highlight how easy it is to get the money, as the insurance industry often faces complaints of unpleasant settlement processes.

Wide publicity of the claim procedure "is very critical for the success of the schemes", Hasmukh Adhia, secretary at the Department of Financial Services, wrote to Information and Broadcasting Secretary Bimal Julka on July 6. He wanted Doordarshan, All India Radio as well as the Directorate of Audio-Visual Publicity and Press Information Bureau to be involved in the publicity process.

Insurance cover under the two social security insurance schemes – Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna (PMJJBY) – h a s c o m -menced for subscribers and claims have already started arising, Adhia wrote. Adhia wants DD and AIR to also publicise the stories of people whose claims have been settled and "encourage claimants to file claims".

Under PMJJBY, the government is offering a life cover of Rs 2 lakh for a premium of Rs 330 annually to savings account holders aged 18-50 in the participating banks. PMSBY offers accident insurance of Rs 2 lakh at Rs 12 a year. More than 10.4 crore people had enrolled for PMJJBY and PMSBY as on July 8.

The claim procedure under these schemes has strict timelines. For instance, a bank, from where the premium for PMSBY was auto-debited, must forward the completed claim form to the insurance company within 30 days. The insurer then has up to 30 days to approve the claim and disburse the money. The admissible claim will be remitted directly to the bank account of the insurer or the nominee.

Officials at Life Insurance Corporation and public sector general insurance companies have been asked to provide co-operation to the information and broadcasting ministry on regarding details of claimants, the letter said.