The YSR Bheema scheme, which provides insurance cover to the poor, has turned non-beneficial. When the YSRCP government came to power in 2019, the existing Chandranna insurance scheme was cancelled and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), YSR Bheema schemes were launched. Under these schemes, about 2.5 crore people have been covered. Not less than 20 lakh poor in each district are included in the scheme. However, insurance companies are not coming forward to pay compensation. This has resulted in millions of claims being put on hold.
Those covered under the YSR Bheema scheme between the ages of 18 and 50 would get Rs 2 lakh for natural death, Rs 5 lakh for accidental death, Rs 5 lakh for complete disability, Rs 2.50 lakh for partial disability and Rs 1,200 per annum for two children. Those between the ages of 51 and 60 would have to be paid Rs 30,000 towards natural death, Rs 5 lakh towards accident and total disability, Rs 2.5 lakh for partial disability and Rs 1,200 per annum scholarship for two children. Those aged 51 to 69 who die or have a permanent disability would be provided Rs 3 lakh.
Annually 2 lakh people get claims under this insurance. There will be beneficiaries in every village as natural deaths and accidents are covered. However, it is learnt that the insurance companies have stopped the claims due to non-payment of a premium of Rs 600 crore by the government to the insurance companies. More than one lakh claims are already pending. Statistics indicate that on an average there are 9,000 claims in each district. There is no use of victims running to zonal offices.
The government cheated the farmers by stating that they would pay a crop insurance amount. The companies stopped crop compensation due to non-payment of premium to the insurance companies. The farmers were severely affected as the government did not provide even Rs 2,000 per farmer. Even under the YSRCP insurance scheme, if the government pays an annual premium to the insurance companies, they will pay the claims to the victims. It is learnt that over one lakh claims have been stopped due to non-payment of insurance premiums by the government. Left leaders are still demanding immediate payment of insurance compensation to the poor.
