In an effort to support workers, T. Harish Rao, finance and health minister, Telangana, revealed plans for a new labour bima scheme, similar to the existing rythu bima programme. Under this scheme, workers will receive increased insurance coverage, with the amount rising from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. Additionally, the renewal period will be extended from five years to 10 years. The minister shared these details during a meeting with labourers in Siddipet.
The minister addressed the concerns of construction workers and assured them that he would discuss their issues with chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. He stressed the importance of providing digital insurance cards to all workers and promised to allocate necessary funds for this purpose. Moreover, he announced plans to set up a special counter at his camp office to expedite the issuance of these cards. If needed, up to five more counters would be established.
Following conversations with Ch. Malla Reddy, minister for labour, Rao facilitated an agreement between the labour and health departments. Consequently, the Aarogyasri services, a health insurance initiative, will be expanded to offer coverage of up to Rs5 lakh for heart operations and Rs10 lakh for cancer treatment. Aarogyasri ensures cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals, providing crucial financial aid for life-threatening medical conditions to benefit vulnerable sections of society.
The primary aim of the labour bima scheme is to offer improved insurance coverage and longer renewal periods to workers from diverse industries.
