The Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao, has decided to introduce an insurance scheme called ‘Geetha Karmikula Bhima’ for Toddy Tappers. This scheme is similar to the Rythu Bhima scheme that is already available to farmers in the state. The insurance will provide Rs 5 lakh to the family members of a Toddy Tapper who dies accidentally while collecting Toddy from Palm Trees in the fields. The money will be deposited directly into their bank account.
The Chief Minister instructed the State Finance Minister T Harish Rao and Excise and Prohibition Minister V Srinivas Goud to prepare guidelines for the new insurance scheme. A review meeting was held at Dr. BR Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, where the Chief Minister expressed his concern about the unfortunate incidents of Toddy Tappers losing their lives due to accidental falls from trees.
The Chief Minister believes it is the government’s responsibility to support the families of Toddy Tappers who die in such unfortunate incidents. Currently, the government provides Ex-gratia to the victim families, but there are delays. To address this, the government has decided to extend insurance coverage to Toddy Tapper families and disburse the amount within a week of a death. The Chief Minister issued orders to the Ministers and government Chief Secretary to take action in this direction.
