Leading the way: Bilaspur sets benchmark for social security

In a significant move aimed at strengthening social security at the grassroots level, the district administration in Bilaspur has launched an ambitious initiative to ensure universal coverage under social insurance schemes. Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar announced that in the first phase of the initiative, one panchayat from each development block would be selected and developed as a “Fully Insured Panchayat.”

Speaking at a meeting of welfare officers, Block Development Officers (BDOs) and other officials involved in social welfare programmes, Kumar said the goal is to ensure that the benefits of both Central and state-run social insurance schemes reach every eligible person, particularly those from vulnerable communities. He directed BDOs to identify one panchayat in their respective blocks where complete implementation of all relevant schemes could be achieved.

These selected panchayats will serve as models for the rest of the district and set a benchmark for comprehensive social protection. Kumar expressed confidence that the initiative would not only benefit the targeted communities but also help establish Bilaspur as a leading district in social welfare implementation. He added that the progress of this model initiative would be reviewed regularly and officers are expected to present updates during upcoming review meetings.

During the meeting, the DC highlighted three major social insurance schemes currently being run by the Centre that form the backbone of this effort. These include the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), which offers accidental insurance coverage to individuals aged 18 to 70 at an annual premium of just Rs 20, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), which provides life insurance coverage to people aged 18 to 50 at an annual premium of Rs 330 and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), which guarantees a monthly pension between Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 after the age of 60.

Kumar stressed that these schemes are crucial for ensuring a safety net for the working poor and informal sector workers, many of whom remain outside the formal financial and insurance systems. He also mentioned that efforts are underway to integrate state-level social security schemes into this model, creating a more comprehensive and inclusive safety net at the panchayat level.

The DC concluded by emphasising the importance of collaboration among various departments to ensure the success of this initiative and called on all officials to work proactively to turn this vision into reality.