Date:24/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/24/stories/2008012450590200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Health insurance scheme for artisans launched

MADURAI: In an attempt to provide healthcare for poor craft persons, the Ministry of Textiles has launched a comprehensive health insurance package for handicraft artisans.

The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, in association with ICICI Lombard General Insurance, has introduced the Rajiv Gandhi Artisans Health Insurance Scheme, 2007 to benefit craft persons and their families, under which medical expenses would be reimbursed to the beneficiaries subjected to an annual limit of Rs.15,000 per family, including the artisan, spouse and two children/parents.

A sum of Rs.1 lakh for personal disability or death due to accident is available under the scheme. Out of the annual premium of Rs.800, the beneficiaries’ contribution will be Rs.150 per year for general category and Rs.75 per year for SC/ST and below poverty line categories, while the balance of Rs.650 and Rs.725, respectively, will be borne by the Central Government.

People below the age of 80 will benefit from this scheme. Artisans holding a valid identity card issued by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) are eligible to enrol, according to an official press release.

For application and other details, contact the Assistant Director, Handicrafts Marketing and Service Extension Centre, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, 129 Joshua Street, Raj Nagar, Nagercoil. Phone: 04652-232361.