The Union Ministry of Agriculture on 8th February launched a portal named ‘SARATHI’ (Sandbox for Agriculture, Rural Security, Technology and Insurance).
Key points
- It aims to help insurance companies reach out to farmers and rural population with tailored products as well as the government’s subsidised insurance products including Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
- The Ministry also launched a helpline number 14447 to enable farmers to lodge their concerns to strengthen grievance redressal mechanism under PMFBY.
- SARATHI will offer a digitizsed insurance journey, simplifying the process for farmers.
- The portal will be a single-window platform for viewing, purchasing, and availing insurance products. The platform will have digital payment options and streamlined premium collection, effortless claim initiation, tracking and resolution besides user-friendly interfaces for stakeholders.
- A spectrum of insurance products will be introduced on the portal in a phased manner. In the first phase, personal accident and hospital cash policies, while in the second phase health, shop and home insurance and in the third phase tractor, two-wheeler, livestock and non-PMFBY insurance products will in introduced.
- The ‘Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline’, will operate as a facilitator, bridging gap between insured farmer on one hand and insurance companies, bankers, Common Service Centres (CSCs) and State governments on the other.
