Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme: Financial Protection for Coconut-Sector Workers

Working at heights to climb coconut trees, harvest coconuts, and tap Neera involves considerable risk. Accidents during these activities can cause serious injuries, permanent disability, or even death, creating severe financial difficulties for workers and their families. To provide financial protection against such risks, the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme (KSIS) offers personal accident insurance to eligible coconut tree climbers and other workers engaged in the coconut sector.

Overview and Implementing Agency

The scheme is implemented by the Coconut Development Board (CDB), an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The Board coordinates with an insurance company to provide accident coverage to eligible workers in coconut-growing states.

Key Benefits and Coverage

The published scheme framework includes structured financial assistance for various incidents:

• Accidental Death or Permanent Total Disability: Up to ₹7 lakh under reported revised structures.
• Permanent Partial Disability: Up to ₹3.5 lakh compensation.
• Hospitalisation Expenses: Up to ₹2 lakh for accident-related medical care, subject to a minimum of 24 hours of hospitalisation.
• Temporary Total Disability: Weekly compensation of ₹3,500, up to ₹21,000 for a maximum of six weeks.
• Additional Provisions: Allowances for bystander expenses, funeral expenses, and ambulance charges, subject to policy terms.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the insurance coverage, applicants generally must meet specific professional and age requirements:

• Must be a traditional coconut tree climber, harvester, Neera technician, hybridisation worker, or specified coconut-sector labourer.
• Must be between 18 and 65 years of age.
• Eligible trainees enrolled in Board training programmes may receive first-year premium support, subject to scheme conditions.

Premium Structure

Under arrangements reported in recent guidelines, the total annual premium is ₹956. The beneficiary contributes a reduced share of ₹143, while the Coconut Development Board bears the remaining 85% of the applicable premium. Applicants should confirm current pricing directly with the agency.

Application and Verification Process

The scheme follows an offline enrolment process:

1. Download the prescribed application form from the Coconut Development Board's official portal.
2. Fill out the form in capital letters with personal and occupational details.
3. Attach mandatory documents, including an Aadhaar card copy, bank passbook front page, age proof, and occupational certificates.
4. Obtain certification on the form from an authorised official, such as an Agriculture Officer, Panchayat President, or Ward Member.
5. Pay the beneficiary premium through accepted non-cash methods and submit the package to the Coconut Development Board headquarters.

Claim Procedures

In the event of an accident, claimants must adhere to strict reporting timelines:

• Reporting: Report the accident to the Coconut Development Board within 72 hours.
• Documentation: Submit the relevant claim form along with supporting documents, such as FIR and post-mortem reports for deaths, disability certificates, or medical bills and discharge summaries for hospitalisation.
• Settlement: Verified claims are processed for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through the insurance agency.

*Disclaimer: Applicants must confirm all details, current premium rates, and policy wordings directly with the Coconut Development Board before applying or filing a claim.*