Govt reintroduces accident cover scheme for students

Students from classes 1 to 12 are now entitled to receive a compensation of Rs 30,000 to 50,000 if they develop permanent deformity after meeting with an accident

Students from classes 1 to 12 are now entitled to receive a compensation of Rs 30,000 to 50,000 from the state government if they develop permanent deformity after meeting with an accident. Families will get Rs 75,000 in case of accidental death of their children,a state government statement read.

The benefits will be part of the Rajiv Gandhi student accident ex-gratia scheme,which has been reintroduced by the government. The programme was introduced in August 2010.

The government,almost a decade ago,had first introduced an accident cover scheme,which got shelved after getting mired in controversies over complaints of non-payment of dues.

Story continues below this ad

As per the latest government resolution of the state school education department,the government has ordered setting up of a five-member committee in every district under the leadership of district collectors. Chief executive officer of zila parishad,superintendent of police,deputy commissioner of police (administration) and education officer (secondary education) will be the members of the panels.

Parents are expected to submit their proposal to claim money under the scheme from education officers. The panel is expected to meet once a month to scrutinise the proposals received under the scheme.

Incidents like suicide,attempt to suicide,accident caused in course of violation of law or under the influence of drugs and those caused during racing events are exempted from the scheme,along with natural death.

During its pilot launch,around 732 students availed the benefit of the scheme with government disbursing more than Rs 5.1 crore.

Story continues below this ad

Appreciating the move to reintroduce the scheme,activist Matin Mujawar underlined the need to introduce it in letter and spirit.

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories