Group Insurance Scheme for Powerloom Weavers: Central Scheme

Overview

The Group Insurance Scheme for Powerloom Weavers is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing life insurance coverage to powerloom weavers across India. Implemented by the Ministry of Textiles, this scheme recognizes the vulnerability of weavers and extends social security to them.

The scheme is run in partnership with a government-designated insurance company and the premium is heavily subsidized.

Objective

The scheme aims to provide life insurance protection to weavers engaged in powerloom activities, ensuring that their families receive financial support in the event of the weaver’s death. It brings a basic safety net to a largely informal workforce.

Benefits

• Life insurance coverage in case of natural or accidental death
• Subsidized premium where the central government contributes the major portion
• Disability benefits in case of permanent partial or total disability due to accident
• Scholarship benefits for children of insured weavers (in some versions of the scheme)

Eligibility

• Must be a weaver actively engaged in powerloom weaving
• Should be registered with the relevant state’s textiles or handloom department
• Age between 18 and 59 years
• Should be enrolled through a recognized powerloom cooperative or employer group

Exclusions

• Weavers above 59 years of age are not eligible for new enrollment
• Unregistered weavers or those not affiliated with any recognized group may not qualify
• Deaths or disabilities due to pre-existing conditions disclosed at the time of enrollment may be treated differently

Application Process

1. Approach your powerloom cooperative society, weaver service center, or state textiles department
2. Fill in the group insurance enrollment form
3. Submit it through the cooperative or group facilitator to the insurance company
4. Upon enrollment, the policy is issued and coverage begins
5. In case of a claim, notify the insurer and cooperative with supporting documents

Documents Required

• Weaver identity card or registration certificate
• Aadhaar card
• Age proof
• Photograph
• Nominee details (name, relationship, Aadhaar)
• Bank account details