Published on Mar 11, 2019
The workers in the unorganized sector constitute about 93% of the total work force in the country. The Government has been implementing some social security measures for certain occupational groups but the coverage is miniscule. Majority of the workers are still without any social security coverage. Recognizing the need for providing social security to these workers, the Central Government has introduced a Bill in the Parliament.
One of the major insecurities for workers in the unorganized sector is the frequent incidences of illness and need for medical care and hospitalization of such workers and their family members. Despite the expansion in the health facilities, illness remains one of the most prevalent causes of human deprivation in India. It has been clearly recognized that health insurance is one way of providing protection to poor households against the risk of health spending leading to poverty. However, most efforts to provide health insurance in the past have faced difficulties in both design and implementation. The poor are unable or unwilling to take up health insurance because of its cost, or lack of perceived benefits. Organizing and administering health insurance, especially in rural areas, is also difficult.
Ministry of Finance, Government of India has approved the merger of Social Security Schemes viz., Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY) and Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY).
a. The members should be aged between 18 years completed and 59 years nearer birthday.
b. The member should normally be the head of the family or one earning member of the below poverty line family (BPL) or marginally above the poverty line under identified vocational group/rural landless household.
"Nodal Agency" shall mean the Central Ministerial Department/State Government / Union Territory of India/any other institutionalized arrangement/any registered NGO appointed to administer the Scheme as per the rules. In the case of "Rural Landless Households", the nodal agency will mean the State Government/Union Territory appointed to administer the Scheme.
a) Ration Card
b) Extract from Birth Register
c) Extract from School Certificate
d) Voter's List
e) Identity card issued by reputed employer/Government Department
f) Unique Identification Card (Aadhar Card)
The premium to be charged initially under the scheme will be Rs.200/- per annum per member for a cover of Rs.30,000/-, out of which 50% will be subsidized from the Social Security Fund . In case of Rural Landless Household (RLH) remaining 50 % premium shall be borne by the State Government/ Union Territory and in case of other occupational group the remaining 50% premium shall be borne by the Nodal Agency and/or Member and/or State Government/ Union Territory
The Scheme is based on Nodal Agency Model. A Nodel Agency can be Panchayats, NGOs, Self Help Groups or any other Institutionalised arrangements. The Nodal Agency can contact the nearest Pension and Group Scheme office or any LIC Branch office.
