Insurance coverage for BPL farmers under consideration

Kannur, Feb 2 (UNI) The Centre is considering to include farmers in the Below Poverty Line (BPL), category under the Unorganised Workers Insurance Scheme (Aam Admi Bima Yojana) and to give insurance coverage to their crops, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandez said today.

Inaugurating the 42nd anniversary of Talassery Social Service Society (TSSS) here, he said sick farmers, 65 years or above, were receiving Rs 30,000 each and a monthly pension of Rs 250 under the ''Bima Swasthi Yojana scheme.'' Pointing out that the government aimed at eliminating poverty in BPL families, Mr Fernandes said 70 per cent of them were living in rural areas.

''We have enough land and let us cultivate more to eliminate poverty,'' he said.

UNI AK DS PDT HT1852