Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme
₹7 lakh accident insurance · coconut tree climbers · India
This scheme by the Coconut Development Board provides group personal accident insurance to coconut tree climbers, Neera technicians, and coconut harvesters across all coconut-growing states in India. Coverage goes up to ₹7 lakh for accidental death or total disability, and the Board subsidizes ₹717 of the ₹956 annual premium — the beneficiary pays only ₹239. Apply by submitting a filled form countersigned by an Agriculture Officer or Panchayat President to the Coconut Development Board in Kochi, Kerala.
About This Scheme
This scheme by the Coconut Development Board provides group personal accident insurance to coconut tree climbers, Neera technicians, and coconut harvesters across all coconut-growing states in India. Coverage goes up to ₹7 lakh for accidental death or total disability, and the Board subsidizes ₹717 of the ₹956 annual premium — the beneficiary pays only ₹239. Apply by submitting a filled form countersigned by an Agriculture Officer or Panchayat President to the Coconut Development Board in Kochi, Kerala.
Full official description
The "Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme," under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and implemented by the Coconut Development Board, provides coverage for Coconut Tree Climbers (CTC), Neera Technicians, and Coconut Harvesters in all coconut-growing states. The scheme offers a sum assured of ₹7.00 lakhs for 24-hour accident-related risks, including death. The annual premium is ₹956, with ₹717 covered by the Board and ₹239 paid by the beneficiary via DD or online mode.
Objective:
The aim is to attract unemployed youth to show more interest in the agriculture sector.
To overcome the shortage of coconut tree climbers, the Board launched a skill development program called 'Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT).
Interested youths were imparted training on coconut tree climbing with a machine specially developed for the purpose as well as on scientific management of the palm, plant protection techniques, and other related activities.
Benefits
- ₹7,00,000 for accidental death or permanent total disability
- ₹3,50,000 for permanent partial disability due to accident
- Up to ₹2,00,000 hospital expense reimbursement (minimum 24-hour hospitalization required)
- ₹3,500 ambulance charges covered
- Up to ₹21,000 weekly compensation for temporary total disability (max 6 weeks at ₹3,500/week)
- ₹3,000 bystander expense support during hospitalization (max 15 days at ₹200/day)
- ₹5,500 funeral expense reimbursement on accidental death
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Tree climbing for coconut harvesting is inherently dangerous — this scheme's ₹7 lakh coverage for death/disability, plus hospital expense and ambulance reimbursement, protects a livelihood most other insurance products overlook entirely.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a Coconut Tree Climber, Neera Technician, Coconut Harvester, or an enrolled trainee in these fields
- Must be aged between 18 and 65 years
- Trainees in the Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) or Neera Technician program have their entire first-year premium paid by the Board
How to Apply
- Obtain and fill the application form (available on Coconut Development Board's website).
- Have it countersigned as required.
- Submit Aadhaar, proof of age, and caste certificate (if applicable).
- Include declaration for assignment and declaration form.
- Submit to the empaneled insurance company for coverage activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme?
The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme is a comprehensive Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme initiated by the Coconut Development Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is designed for Coconut Tree Climbers, Neera Technicians, and Coconut Harvesters, implemented in collaboration with Public Insurance companies.
Which department has launched this scheme?
Coconut Development Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Coconut Tree Climbers, Neera Technicians, and Coconut Harvesters are eligible for the scheme. Additionally, trainees undergoing skill development training under the Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) and Neera Technician Training Programme are covered, with the first-year premium fully borne by the Board.
What is the annual premium for the insurance?
The annual premium for the insurance is [?]375, shared between the Coconut Development Board and the beneficiary in the ratio of 75:25. Trainees undergoing skill development training have the first-year premium covered by the Board.
How long is the insurance coverage valid?
The insurance coverage is valid for one year and needs to be renewed annually by paying [?]94 as a contribution from the beneficiary.
What is the objective of the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme?
The scheme aims to attract unemployed youth to the agriculture sector, overcome the shortage of coconut tree climbers, and promote skill development through programs like Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT).
What benefits are provided under the scheme?
The scheme provides various components and compensation:
- Death/Permanent Total Disability: [?]5.00 lakhs
- Permanent Partial Disability: [?]2.50 lakhs
- Hospital Expense (24 hours IP): [?]1,00,000/- (Maximum)
- Weekly Compensation in case of Temporary Total Disability (TTD): [?]18,000/-
- Bystander Expense: [?]3,000/- (Maximum 15 days @ [?]200 per day)
- Ambulance Charges: [?]3,000/-
- Funeral Expenses (subject to producing bills): [?]5,000/-
In which states is the scheme implemented?
The scheme is implemented in all coconut-growing states across India.
How can beneficiaries renew their insurance coverage each year?
Beneficiaries can renew their insurance coverage by paying a yearly contribution of [?]94. The renewal process should be completed annually to ensure continuous coverage under the scheme.
What is the age criterion for eligibility?
Applicants should be between 18 to 65 years of age to qualify for the Scheme.
How is the premium payment handled by the beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries are responsible for paying their share of the premium, as prescribed by the Board. Payment can be made through demand draft or online mode.
What is the timeline for reporting accidents to the Board?
In the event of an accident, beneficiaries must intimate the Board within 72 hours of its occurrence.
What is the process for claiming benefits under the scheme in case of accidents?
Beneficiaries are required to submit the claim form, along with mandatory documents, to the Board for accidents related to hospital expenses or death, to avail the benefits under the scheme.
How can I apply for the scheme?
Application form duly filled in and countersigned by Agriculture officer/Panchayath President/CPF office bearers/CPC Directors along with premium share and age proof needs to be sent to Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Kera Bhavan, SRVHS Road, Kochi - 682011, Kerala.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of age
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Declaration for assignment
- Declaration form