Telangana Clears Group Accident Insurance Scheme for 4.21 Lakh Fishermen

The state government has approved implementation of the group accident

insurance scheme (GAIS) for 4.21 lakh registered fishermen for the 2026-27

financial year, with the Centre and state sharing the insurance premium in a

60:40 ratio. The scheme would cover 4,21,767 registered fishermen in the

18-70 age group.

According to the benefits announced under the scheme, a sum of `5 lakh would

be paid in the event of accidental death, while `5 lakh would be provided in

cases of permanent total disability. Fishermen suffering permanent partial

disability would be eligible for `2.5 lakh, while those requiring

hospitalisation due to an accident would be entitled to medical assistance

of up to `25,000.

The premium per beneficiary has been fixed at `79.96. The state government

would contribute `21.35 lakh towards its share of the premium, ensuring that

eligible fishermen would not have to bear any financial burden for the

insurance coverage.

Announcing the decision on Monday, fisheries minister Vakiti Srihari said

the GAIS would provide financial security to families of fishermen who die

or suffer permanent disability in accidents.

He said the fisheries department had taken measures to ensure uninterrupted

insurance protection for every eligible registered fisherman during the

policy period with effect from June 1. He said the scheme was aimed at

standing by fishermen's families during times of distress and providing them

with financial security for the future.

Srihari said the GAIS was a key component of the several welfare measures

being implemented by the state government for the fishing community. The

government, he said, was continuously working to provide comprehensive

social security and financial protection to registered fishermen and their

families across Telangana.