The Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao, has announced a new insurance scheme for toddy tappers. This is similar to the Rythu Bhima scheme for farmers that is already in place in the state. The insurance will provide Rs 5 lakh to the family members of a toddy tapper who dies while collecting toddy from palm trees. The money will be deposited directly into their bank accounts.
The Chief Minister expressed concern about the number of accidental deaths among toddy tappers due to falls from trees. He said that it’s the government’s responsibility to support the families of those who die in such incidents. The government already provides ex-gratia payments to victim families, but there are long delays.
To help the families of toddy tappers, the government has decided to extend insurance coverage. The money will be disbursed within a week of the incident, similar to the Rythu Bhima scheme for farmers. The Chief Minister instructed the State Finance Minister and Excise and Prohibition Minister to prepare guidelines for the new insurance scheme. He also ordered the ministers and Chief Secretary to take action on this matter.
