Every citizen in Karnali deserves insurance service: CM Kandel

Kankrebihar (Surkhet), May 15: Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamalal Kandel, has said every citizen in Karnali deserves insurance facility. "Insurance should be established as a scheme of friend to the needy people," CM Kandel said at a programme organized by the Nepal Insurance Authority in Birendranagar on Friday.

People in the remote parts of Karnali Province have no access to insurance service, so it needs expansion, he said, adding that the positive aspiration of Karnali people to insurance should be addressed. According to him, insurance scheme can attract more people once the institutions and individuals providing financial services are trustworthy and financially disciplined. 

He urged the Authority to provide prompt services to Karnali people with simplified payment process. The CM shared information that the Karnali Province government has introduced group accident insurance in order to address the loss of lives and property in natural disasters. An agreement was signed between the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers and the National Insurance Company Limited to forward the scheme for a year.

In the agreement period of one year, over 1.6 million citizens from Karnali Province are covered by the insurance scheme. Rs 200 thousands have been determined as per person insurance amount. Total insurance premium the Office of the Chief Minister is going to pay Rs 15.7 million, according to CM Kandel.

The families covered by the insurance scheme can claim it in case of the loss of family members in natural disasters. The concerned households, however, should apply within 35 days of the accident to secure insurance. If the 35-day time is missed, there is provision to claim it within 180 days upon the recommendation of the concerned office, District Administration Office or the local government after furnishing logical explanation for the delay.

One must be a permanent resident of Karnali Province to avail this safety scheme. Importantly, the permanent citizens of Karnali who die due to natural disasters anywhere in the country have also been covered in this facility. (RSS)