In a major initiative to provide enhanced welfare measures for its workforce, the Assam government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI). These agreements aim to offer zero-premium insurance coverage and other benefits to over four lakh permanent state government employees.
Key Cabinet Decision
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held in North Lakhimpur, where the State Finance Department was authorized to collaborate with Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) to implement this employee-centric insurance scheme. Following discussions with various SCBs, the Finance Department finalized its first phase of partnerships with SBI and UBI.
Insurance Benefits at Zero Cost
Under this arrangement, state government employees will enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage at no personal cost. The benefits include:
- Term Life Insurance: Minimum ₹10 lakh for natural death (including death due to illness or accidents).
- Accidental Death Insurance: Minimum ₹1 crore.
- Permanent Total Disability: Coverage of up to ₹1 crore.
- Permanent Partial Disability: Coverage of up to ₹80 lakh.
- Air Accidental Insurance: Minimum ₹2 crore for deaths caused by air crashes.
Optional Health Insurance at Affordable Rates
In addition to the zero-premium coverage, employees can opt for health insurance at highly affordable rates offered by the partnering banks. However, the specific terms and conditions for these policies will be set by the banks.
Enrollment Process
To avail these benefits, employees are required to:
- Submit an application form at the nearest branch of their current salary bank or any other empaneled bank.
- Ensure their salary accounts are correctly categorized by updating their passbooks at the nearest branch.
Implementation Framework
The MoUs take effect immediately, with the Finance Department issuing a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to ensure a smooth rollout. Key features of the implementation include:
- District-Level Coordination: The Treasury Officer in each district headquarters will act as the Nodal Officer to oversee implementation, coordinate with banks, and address grievances.
- Bank Nodal Officers: Each empaneled bank will appoint a dedicated Nodal Officer, whose contact details will be included in the SoP for easy communication.
- Monitoring and Reporting: A quarterly report on the status of claims and their resolution will be submitted to the Finance Department to ensure timely action.
Focus on Employee Welfare
The Assam government has taken this step to ensure financial security and enhance the welfare of its employees. The zero-premium insurance, combined with affordable health insurance options, reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its workforce.
This initiative is expected to not only provide significant financial protection to employees and their families but also streamline the process of accessing benefits through an efficient grievance redressal mechanism.
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