Finance Ministry Mobilizes Insurance Aid for Kerala Calamity Victims

The Finance Ministry has directed public sector insurance companies to expedite assistance for Kerala calamity victims. The ministry is coordinating claims processing through various channels and has asked the LIC to facilitate disbursement under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. Rescue operations continue in landslide-affected areas.

The Finance Ministry has mandated five public sector insurance companies to offer extensive support to victims of the Kerala calamity to expedite insurance claims, as announced on the social media platform X.

The ministry highlighted that PSU insurers are actively reaching out to policyholders via local newspapers, social media, company websites, and SMS in the districts of Wayanad, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur, regions significantly impacted by insurance claims.

The LIC has been urged to quickly disburse claims under the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, with comprehensive relaxation of documentation requirements to ensure swift processing. Additionally, the General Insurance Council has been tasked with coordinating with insurance companies for faster claim settlements and will maintain a portal for daily claim status updates.

The tragic landslide in Wayanad has resulted in 308 deaths as reported by Kerala Health Minister Veena George. Recovery efforts have identified 215 bodies and 143 body parts, with post-mortem procedures completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts. Relief operations are ongoing, with 78 naval personnel deployed in affected areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)