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SARATHI PORTAL

10th February, 2024

SARATHI PORTAL

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Context:

  • The Centre has launched the SARATHI portal and helpline number 14447.
  • Aim: To bolster accessibility to insurance products for farmers and rural communities, alongside enhancing the grievance redressal mechanism under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

SARATHI Portal and Helpline Introduction:

  • SARATHI (Sandbox for Agriculture, Rural Security, Technology, and Insurance) serves as a platform to assist insurance companies in offering tailored insurance products, including PMFBY, to farmers and rural residents.
  • The helpline number 14447 was inaugurated, allowing farmers to address concerns and strengthen grievance redressal under PMFBY.

Key Features of SARATHI Portal:

  • Offers a streamlined and digitized insurance journey for farmers, simplifying processes.
  • Acts as a single-window platform for viewing, purchasing, and availing insurance products.
  • Facilitates digital payments, streamlined premium collection, and effortless claim initiation and resolution.
  • Introduces a spectrum of insurance products in phases, beginning with personal accident and hospital cash policies.

Government Intervention for Farmers' Welfare:

  • Monitors farmers' responses to non-subsidized insurance products and may intervene with suitable schemes for overall welfare.

Learning Material System and Krishi Rakshak Portal:

  • Launch of learning material system provides information on PMFBY, Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MIIS), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
  • Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline serve as facilitators between insured farmers and stakeholders, ensuring efficient grievance resolution.

PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana):

  • Launched in 2016, PMFBY replaces the existing National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS).
  • It provides coverage for yield losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
  • Premium rates are highly subsidized: 2% of sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops.
  • The scheme has mandatory coverage for loanee farmers and voluntary for non-loanee farmers.
  • Farmers' share of premium is capped; remaining premium is shared by the central and state governments.
  • Claims are to be settled within a specified timeframe to ensure timely assistance to farmers.

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MIIS):

  • Launched in 2018, MIIS aims to provide relief to farmers in the aftermath of natural calamities.
  • It offers a 2% interest subvention to banks on short-term crop loans up to Rs. 3 lakhs.
  • An additional 3% interest subvention is provided to farmers who repay loans promptly within the due date.
  • MIIS encourages prompt repayment behavior among farmers, enhancing the credit culture in rural areas.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC):

  • Introduced in 1998, KCC provides farmers with a revolving credit facility to meet their agricultural and allied needs.
  • Farmers can avail credit for crop production, post-harvest expenses, consumption needs, etc.
  • The credit limit is determined based on the scale of finance for the crop cultivated.
  • KCC holders enjoy interest rate concessions and flexibility in repayment, with interest calculated on the outstanding balance.
  • The scheme simplifies access to credit for farmers, promoting agricultural productivity and financial inclusion.

 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the primary objective of the SARATHI portal recently launched by the Centre?

a) To provide financial assistance to farmers affected by natural disasters

b) To offer tailored insurance products to farmers and rural population

c) To facilitate agricultural loans for small-scale farmers

d) To promote organic farming practices in rural areas

Answer:

b) To offer tailored insurance products to farmers and rural population

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