Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme 2026

This scheme by AICTE provides financial grants to AICTE-approved technical institutions for organizing a study tour to Read More... the Atal Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh, for a team of students and faculty. Read less

Details

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a special initiative called the YUVAK (Youth Undertaking Visit for Acquiring Knowledge) scheme. This program is designed to offer financial assistance to AICTE-approved institutions for conducting an educational study tour to the impressive Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh.

What Is This Scheme?

The YUVAK scheme aims to let students and their faculty guides gain practical, on-site knowledge about one of India's most significant engineering marvels – the Atal Tunnel. It's all about bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world construction techniques.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This opportunity is open to teams comprising 10 students and 1 faculty member from AICTE-approved institutions that are involved in technical education.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The primary goal is to give students a firsthand understanding of advanced construction methods, especially the New Austrian Tunneling Method. It also sheds light on the complex challenges faced during such large-scale projects, like working in extreme weather conditions, managing unstable terrain, and coordinating work from different ends. By fostering this kind of experiential learning, AICTE aims to boost the quality of engineering education, encourage innovation, and inspire students in their technical fields.

Objective

This scheme by AICTE provides financial grants to AICTE-approved technical institutions for organizing a study tour to the Atal Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh, for a team of students and faculty.

Benefits

Sum Insured & Premium:Under this scheme, 50% of the premium is borne by the Board and balance is shared between the State Government and Farmers @ 25% each, as below:

Age group of PalmsPremium per plant/yearBoard’s Share (50%)State Govt. Share (25%)Farmer’s Share (25%)Sum insured per palm4-15 years₹9₹4.50₹2.25₹2.25₹900/-16-60 years₹14₹7₹3.50₹3.50₹1750/-

Premium Subsidy:

Of amount under above, 50% will be paid by Coconut Development Board (CDB) and 25% by State Government concerned and balance 25% will be paid by farmer/grower.
In case, the State government does not agrees to bear 25% share of premium, farmers/growers, will be required to pay 50% of premium, if interested in insurance scheme. In case some planters/growers’ association wishes to bear the premium on behalf of planters/growers, such associations may do so if they have ‘insurable interest’.
In any case, the planters/ growers shall have to bear a minimum of 10% premium. Premium subsidy amount (50% by CDB and 25% by participating States) will be released to Insurance Company in advance based on estimates, which will be replenished / adjusted on quarter/year basis.

Insurance Term:

A policy can be issued for a maximum period of three years for which rebate in premium @7.5% for two year policy and 12.5% for three year policy will be provided to the planters/growers.
Effort will be made to ensure that all eligible farmers/growers join the scheme by 31st March of year. However, those farmers/growers who do not join the scheme by 31st March may join the scheme subsequently, and in which case risk is covered from 1st day of succeeding month.

Contingency Insured:

This insurance policy pays for total loss of palm on account of happening of perils insured leading to death of insured palm or It’s becoming unproductive. In case, death of palm is not immediate, payment of sum insured will be payable on production of certificate from Coconut Development Board (CDB)/Agriculture / Horticulture Department justifying cause for declaring palm unproductive. A palm can be declared ‘unproductive’ only when further growth / rejuvenation of palm is removed / possible after the same damaged by peril(s) insured, provided palm is removed / felled by insured. In case farmer / grower wishes to retain unproductive palm as it is (without felling), salvage value of 50% of sum insured will be deducted from claim. In any case, loss of palm will have to be established to, occurrence of peril insured.

Sources and references

Official Website

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for this scheme, institutions must meet the following criteria:

Be an AICTE-approved institution in the field of Technical Education.
Must have a latest NIRF ranking between 001 to 500.
The visiting team should consist of 10 students and 1 faculty member.

How To Apply

Applications are to be submitted by the eligible institutions. While the exact application portal link isn't specified here, the process typically involves:

Preparing the required documents for the institution, faculty leader, and student team members.
Submitting the proposal through the official channels or the designated online portal provided by AICTE.

Please refer to the official AICTE website for the most current application details and deadlines.

Documents Needed

When applying for this scheme, you will need to provide the following information and documents:

Details about your institution.
Information about the faculty member who will lead the team.
Details of the 10 student team members.

FAQ’s

What exactly is the AICTE YUVAK scheme for the Atal Tunnel?

The AICTE YUVAK scheme is an initiative to provide financial grants for educational study tours. It helps teams, consisting of one faculty member and 10 students from AICTE-approved institutions, to visit and study the Atal Tunnel.

When was this Atal Tunnel study tour scheme started?

This scheme was launched on May 21st, 2021.

Can you explain the main goals of this YUVAK study tour?

The primary goal is for students to learn firsthand about the latest construction techniques used in tunnels, especially the New Austrian Tunneling Method. It also aims to help them understand the challenges and risks involved in such massive projects, like dealing with heavy snowfall, unstable rocks, and water ingress, and how these were overcome.

Who is responsible for managing this YUVAK scheme?

The scheme is managed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

What are the eligibility requirements for an institution to get this grant?

Institutions need to be approved by AICTE in the field of technical education and must have a recent NIRF ranking between 001 and 500. The team visiting should be made up of 10 students and 1 faculty member.

What kind of financial aid is provided under the YUVAK scheme?

The scheme provides financial grants to cover train fare, transport from Chandigarh to Manali and back, and boarding, lodging, and incidental expenses for 3 days. The total grant amount varies depending on the institution's region, ranging from ₹1,70,000/- to ₹2,00,000/-.

How many institutions from the NRO & NWRO regions can get this grant each year?

A maximum of 25 institutions from the NRO & NWRO regions are eligible for the grant in a financial year.

And how many institutions from other regions can receive the grant?

For institutions in regions other than NRO & NWRO, a maximum of 75 institutions can receive the grant in a financial year.

Is it possible for an institute to send more than one proposal for this scheme?

No, each institute is allowed to submit only one proposal throughout the entire duration of the scheme.

What specific documents do I need to submit for the application?

You will need to provide details about your institution, the faculty member who will be the team leader, and the details of the 10 student team members.

Where is the Atal Tunnel located and what makes it special?

The Atal Tunnel is located under the Rohtang Pass on the Leh-Manali Highway, creating an all-weather route to Leh and the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It's globally recognised as the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet, measuring 9.02 km, and is named in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.