Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana Odisha Weavers
Overview
The Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana is a social security scheme for handloom weavers in Odisha. It provides life and disability insurance along with scholarship benefits for the children of enrolled weavers, creating a comprehensive protection package.
The scheme recognizes the economic vulnerability of handloom weavers who work informally and provides a structured welfare safety net through the registered cooperative network.
Objective
The scheme aims to provide financial security to weavers against risks such as natural death, accidental death, and permanent disability. It also supports the education of weavers’ children through scholarship assistance, investing in the next generation.
Benefits
- Natural death benefit paid to the family of the insured weaver
- Higher benefit amount in case of accidental death
- Disability benefit for total or partial permanent disability
- Scholarship for children of enrolled weavers studying in classes 9 to 12
Eligibility
- Handloom weaver engaged in weaving as their primary occupation in Odisha
- Age between 18 and 59 years at the time of enrollment
- Must be a member of a registered weavers cooperative or a handloom federation
- Annual income must not exceed the limit set by the implementing authority
Exclusions
- Weavers above 59 years of age at enrollment
- Workers not registered with a recognized cooperative society
- Death or disability resulting from self-inflicted causes
- Weavers engaged in powerloom production rather than handloom weaving
Application Process
Weavers apply through their registered cooperative society, which compiles and forwards applications to the Handloom Directorate or implementing authority in Odisha.
For claims, the cooperative files on behalf of the weaver or their family after a covered event such as death or disability occurs.
Documents Required
- Weaver membership card from the registered cooperative
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card)
- Age proof document
- Nomination form with nominee details
- Bank account details
- Death or disability certificate for claim processing
