The disaster caused by heavy rain and landslides in Uttarakhand has led to widespread devastation and posed many challenges to the people, Government and bodies like the life Insurance Corporation of India.
Of the 20 branches and 10 satellite offices under the lIC of India, Dehradun division, the disaster has affected business in Gopeshwar, Uttarkashi, Srinagar and Tehri branches and the Rudraprayag and Pauri satellite offices. However, the corporation has risen to the challenge and has taken various measures in the interest of its policy holders affected by the disaster, said Dehradun division, senior divisional manager Tribhuwan Adhikari.
Talking to The Pioneer, Adhikari said that the main focus of the Dehradun divisional office now is on swift processing of the claims being received in a manner which is more convenient to the affected claimants.
“We have divided the fatalities into two categories- the deaths of policy holders from other States and the deaths of policy holders under Dehradun division which encompasses all districts in Garhwal region and Saharanpur district of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. The claims pertaining to people from other States who died here will be processed by lIC offices in the States concerned. We understand that the nominees must be disturbed due to the deaths of their family members so in case of claims, we have waived off some procedures and checks to make the process convenient and swift for the beneficiaries provided the deaths were caused in floods or landslides experienced recently.
For claims we need three documents- a brief one page claim in Form A filled by the nominee about the deceased, death certificate and a copy of the policy bond. We have relaxed norms regarding death certificate and will accept any such certificate issued by a government agency or proof of compensation provided by Central or State Governments to the bereaved family. As many have lost their homes and all belongings, those who have lost the policy bond will have to submit an indemnity letter for claims of up to Rs one lakh and the claim will be met without delay at the branch”, he said while adding that the corporation will speed up the process and conduct only subtle background checks which do not disturb the beneficiary and also prevent errors.
The senior divisional manager further informed that all branches have been authorised to pay claims of upto Rs 10 lakh. Help desks have been established in all branches of the Dehradun division with the branch manager heading the help desk.
A communication desk has also been established at the divisional office. Anyone seeking information pertaining to disaster related insurance claims can call at 0135-2668850, 9412917877 and 9458133702. Apart from helping its policy holders, the lIC Dehradun division has also collected funds with its employees donating their one day’s salary which is likely to be used to provide relief to lIC agents and development officers before being put to use for other affected persons.
“We have also sent proposals to the corporation’s Golden Jubilee Fund trust for taking up projects in remote affected areas like rebuilding damaged schools or restoring water supply in remote areas. Our agents and development officers will also tour remote areas where we may also adopt some of the affected villages. We also plan to hold camps in some of the worst affected areas to facilitate immediate processing of insurance claims,” said Adhikari.
Apart from efficiently meeting the claims of the disaster affected, maintaining business and income level of the corporation’s agents are the major challenges faced by lIC Dehradun division, he added.