Marginalised tribes to get LIC cover

For the first time, tribals will get an insurance cover in India. The scheme, just launched, is aimed helping about 75 tribal communities — officially called the ‘‘primitive tribal groups’’ — comprising 25 lakh people spread across 16 states.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs P.R. Kyndiah today said the scheme was part of a major initiative launched by the UPA Government to change the lives of ‘‘marginalised of the marginalised’’ communities. The identified population would get a cover for accidents, death and disability under the LIC’s Janshree policy.

Since the premium is to be paid by the Centre, the scheme is expected to take off well, officials said. Normally, resistance from beneficiaries or the state governments to such schemes comes when they are asked to bear a part of the premium.