Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 5: In a major decision aimed at safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of coconut workers, the Goa state government has approved a significant restructuring of the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme, making insurance coverage completely free for all labourers engaged in coconut-related activities from the financial year 2025–26.

Under the existing setup, registered coconut pluckers were required to contribute Rs 143 as their 15% share of the yearly premium of Rs 956, while the Coconut Development Board (CDB) funded the remaining Rs 813. However, despite several awareness campaigns, officials reported poor enrolment, especially among traditional climbers.

To ensure maximum coverage, the revised scheme states that the entire premium contribution of beneficiaries will now be borne by the state government, as per the rates periodically set by the CDB — thereby eliminating the financial burden on workers.

The revamped insurance programme will also extend its coverage beyond pluckers to all labourers working in coconut cultivation, particularly those performing high-risk activities such as tree climbing, neera tapping, hybridisation, and harvesting. Workers involved in peeling and de-shelling of coconuts — including in small-scale industries across Goa — will also benefit from the scheme.

The insurance coverage remains fixed at Rs 7 lakh, or higher if revised by the CDB in future.

The initiative is expected to bring strong social security support to thousands of workers who face dangerous working conditions daily, while also promoting sustained growth of the coconut sector in the state.