CHANDIGARH: With a view to providing adequate compensation to the farmers and agricultural labourers in case of any injury or death, the Himachal Pradesh Government has launched ‘Mukhya Mantri Kisaan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojna 2015-16.
The scheme covers farmers and agricultural labourers, who will be given compensation in the event of injury or death during the operation of farm machinery. A provision of providing compensation of Rs 1.50 lakh has been made in case of death due to an accident occurred while working on the farm or machinery etc. whereas `50,000 will be provided in case of permanent disability to the victim.
The scheme will include death or disablement of any farmers or agriculture labourer above 14 years due to an accident occurred while working on the farm machinery, implements, tools, equipments etc. at his home, farm or while carrying machinery from home to farm and vice versa within the state. This also includes death or disablement of any farmer or farm labourer due to an accident occurred while, installing/operating tube well, bore well, pumping set, low lifts etc.
Death or disablement of any farmer or labourer due to electric current while installing, carrying and operating any power operated machinery has also been covered under this scheme. Farm machinery for this purpose include tractors registered for agricultural purpose, power tillers, weeders, power plough, reaper-cum-binder, power thrasher, chaff cutters, implements, tools, equipments installation and operation of tube well/bore well/pumping sets and low lifts. The scheme is limited to the domicile farmers and farm labourers and will not to be applicable to workers or employees of any company or contractor.
The legal heir of the deceased or victim will have to deposit claim application to the Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) of the respective block within two months from the date of death or injury. However, on the basis of genuine reasons, delayed submission can be condoned up to four months by Director, Agriculture and six months by the Secretary (Agriculture). The claim amount will be disbursed within 15 days of receipt of application complete in all respect.
The government has also been decided to continue coffee plantation in 10 hectare area during this financial year and also weather based crop insurance scheme had been extended in peas, tomato and ginger crops.
The state government has also approached Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for second phase of crop diversification project under Technical Cooperation.