Members of the bomb disposal squad of the state police will get an extra insurance cover of Rs 35 lakh, beyond the Rs 35 lakh that police personnel get, in a first-of-its-kind initiative of the Jharkhand government.
In effect, the 130 members of the bomb squad, whose work is fraught with risks, will get an insurance cover of Rs 70 lakh.
Additional director of police (modernisation) R.K. Mallick told The Telegraph on Wednesday that this was the first time such a provision was being made. “So far, members of the bomb disposal squad used to get insurance cover of Rs 35 lakh, same as other police personnel. This extra insurance of Rs 35 lakh each will be provided to them for the first time.”
The police department intends to give the full sum insured in case of death of a member, permanent disability, the loss of two limbs, loss of sight in both eyes, or the loss of one limb and sight in one eye. Half the sum insured will be given to those who lose one limb or sight in one eye. At least Rs 15 lakh will be given to the injured for treatment in a private or government hospital.
The state police headquarters has invited an expression of interest (EoI) for the same from reputable companies engaged in insurance of lives, limbs or body parts. The EoI is expected to be given to the deputy inspector-general (budget) on or before March 17. The facility is likely to start from March 20.
