(a) whether the Government proposes to increase the coverage limit and relax the procedural norms for the handloom weavers health insurance programme;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to increase the number of beneficiaries under the new
programme?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b): No. Madam. The Government of India is implementing a Health Insurance Scheme for
handloom weavers with an annual limit of Rs. 15,000/- per family, out of which OPD cover is
Rs. 7,500/-. At present there is no proposal to increase the coverage limit and relax the
procedural norms under the Health Insurance Scheme for handloom weavers.
(c): The enhancement in the insurance cover will involve a higher rate of total premium
which will also result in increase in the weaver’s share of premium causing additional burden
on the weavers and many weavers may not be able to pay the increased premium. The present
Health Insurance Scheme covers all pre-existing as well as new diseases and a substantial
provision has been kept for OPD. The annual limit per family is Rs. 15,000/- out of which
OPD cover is Rs. 7,500/-.
(d): Does not arise. However, as per the existing Health Insurance Scheme the State
Governments are required to be actively associated with the implementation of the scheme
by way of sensitizing the handloom weavers to join the scheme. Instructions have also been
given to the implementing agency viz; ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd to take all
steps to popularize the scheme among the weavers through out the country by various means
including advertising the information about the scheme in vernacular language. The
implementing agency has been organizing health camps and awareness camps regularly in
collaboration with the State Governments.