The third phase of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) will provide insurance to MNREGA beneficiary families and those in the unorganised sector, besides BPL families. As per the memorandum of understanding involving the Centre, the state government and New India Insurance Company for the implementation of the third phase, street vendors, industrial workers, taxi drivers and domestic workers and persons with 70 per cent disability will be covered.
Till date, Rs 26-cr has been spent by the state under the scheme and 2.35 lakh smart cards issued. In the second phase, 64,300 smart cards were provided to BPL families till December 2011. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries are entitled to a financial assistance of Rs 30,000 for undertaking medical treatment in recognised health institutions in the state. The government is also providing additional assistance for critical illness up to Rs 1.75 lakh for meeting the expenses of hospitalisation and surgical procedures.
Of the total premium of Rs 33 crore, Rs 18 crore was paid by the state and Rs 15 crore by the Centre. The beneficiary has to pay Rs 30 per annum as renewal fee. Every claim under the scheme will be settled within 21 days for the convenience of the aggrieved persons. Those who have worked for 15 days or more during the previous financial year under MNREGA will be eligible for the RSBY cover.
