NAC talks insurance policy for rural women

The National Advisory Council (NAC) today discussed introduction of an integrated Parivar Bima Policy for rural poor and a Gram Panchayat Mahila Fund for group activities and common amenities for women.

NAC members said the Parivar Bima Policy for rural poor should cover hospitalisation expenses, life cover for death/disability and dwelling units. The scheme could be linked to self-help groups and largely funded by members’ contributions, an NAC statement said. Legal land titles and allotment of surplus land, including state farm land, to women self-help groups should be ensured for empowerment of women, it said.

Establishment of village knowledge centres to promote knowledge empowerment and capacity building in agriculture and animal husbandry, fisheries, forestry, agro-processing, marketing and genetic literacy may also be considered, they said.