The social security schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been introduced in a move towards an inclusive society where the underprivileged could become financially more secure, said Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon. Radhakrishnan here on Saturday.
The Minister was in the city to launch three social security schemes — Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana at Lakshmi Sundaram Hall where an address by Mr. Modi from the launch of the schemes in Kolkata was telecast live. Mr. Radhakrishnan addressed representatives from banks and the public who had enrolled in the schemes.
The schemes were offered at extremely low rates of premium so as to reach a large number of people, the Minister said.
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The schemes would help them feel financially secure, give them dignity and strengthen their self-esteem, he said.
Stating that more than 1.62 lakh persons had already enrolled themselves in the social security schemes in the district, Mr. Radhkrishnan said that he expected the numbers to rise, on the lines of Jan Dhan Yojana.
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The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana life insurance scheme enables bank account holders from 18 years to 50 years avail insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh for which an annual premium of Rs. 330 is to be paid.
The Pradhan Manthri Suraksha Yojana accident insurance policy for bank account holders from 18 to 70 years of age gives them an insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh with a minimum annual premium of Rs. 12.
The Atal Pension Yojana which is available for those working in the unorganised sector.
Self-employed agriculturalists, who are not income tax payers and do not avail any other social security schemes and aged between 18 and 40 can enrol in the scheme.
A representative of a private bank in the city said that they had been sending SMS to their customers detailing the scheme and encouraging them to join them.