Thiruvananthapuram: Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar said in a press conference that an insurance package is being implemented for KSRTC employees. The scheme, which is being implemented in connection with the fourth anniversary of the state government, will come into effect from June 4. The scheme is in collaboration with the State Bank of India. The agreement was signed by KSRTC and SBI.
Employees do not have to pay premium for account-level insurance cover. 22,095 permanent employees will get the benefit of the scheme. The insurance scheme is also being implemented as part of the transfer of all KSRTC accounts to SBI.
The family of those who die in a personal accident will get Rs 1 crore. The family of those who die in an air accident will get Rs 1.60 crore. Even if permanent total disability occurs in an accident, the scheme provides up to Rs 1 crore, and permanent partial disability can get up to Rs 80 lakh. In case of normal death of employees with salary above Rs. 25,000, the family will get Rs. 6 lakh as assistance. Children of those who die in accidents will get education assistance up to Rs. 10 lakh, and for the marriage of girls up to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakh per child. Assistance will be provided through the insurance scheme for the cost of accident treatment and import of medicines.
Employees can also opt for medical insurance, which covers medical expenses ranging from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh, by paying an annual premium. This can be renewed up to the age of 75. The minister said that this is a very comforting scheme for employees.
56 reforms have been implemented in KSRTC in the last one and a half years. Cancer screening is being conducted for all employees. Employees with health problems that prevent them from doing strenuous work will be transferred to office duty by changing their category as per the advice of the medical board.
The minister also responded to the former transport minister’s remark that taking an overdraft of Rs 100 crore for salary is a huge liability. Ganesh Kumar pointed out that he did not take the decision alone and that the salary should be paid on the first day, as requested by the Chief Minister. The salary is paid by the LDF government. The minister said that he does not want credit.
