Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme: ₹7 Lakh Cover for Coconut Workers

Introduction of Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme: A Brief Insight

A coconut tree climber climbs a thirty-foot palm several times a day, relying only on a rope and his balance. One slip can end his ability to earn, leaving his family with medical expenses and no regular income. The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme aims to provide financial protection to workers facing such risks.

The Coconut Development Board (CDB), a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, runs this scheme in association with a public sector insurance company. The Board introduced it after recognising that the lack of insurance protection discouraged young people from taking up coconut climbing as a profession.

The scheme aims to protect coconut workers against accidents and encourage more young people to take up coconut climbing as a green-collar occupation. It covers coconut tree climbers, neera tappers and technicians, hybridisation workers, harvesters and other eligible coconut labourers.

For the policy period from December 2024 to November 2026, the scheme provides ₹7,00,000 for accidental death or permanent total disablement and ₹3,50,000 for permanent partial disablement. It also covers hospital expenses up to ₹2,00,000, temporary disablement benefits of ₹3,500 per week, and eligible expenses for ambulance services, bystander assistance and funeral arrangements.

The annual premium is ₹956, of which the worker pays only ₹143. The CDB contributes the remaining amount. Eligible CDB trainees receive free insurance coverage during the first year, while the Board pays the entire premium for its DSP Farm labourers.

Workers between 18 and 65 years of age can join the scheme. They must work in coconut farming, a small-scale coconut-based industry or an eligible CDB training programme. Applicants also need an Aadhaar card and a bank account.

To apply, a worker must download the application form from the CDB website, get it certified by a Ward Member, Panchayat President, Agriculture Officer or another authorised authority, and submit it to the CDB in Kochi along with the required documents. These include an Aadhaar card, a bank passbook copy and premium payment receipt. After an accident, the worker must inform the CDB within 72 hours. The claim amount is credited to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), subject to claim approval. Workers can seek assistance by emailing kochi.cdb@gov.in.

Workers and farmers looking for accident insurance available to eligible bank account holders can also explore the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. Those seeking life insurance coverage can read about the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. For financial support during old age, they can explore the Atal Pension Yojana.

Farmers, workers, families and others looking for insurance, pension and welfare programmes offered by the Central Government can explore the available schemes on our Central Government Welfare Schemes List page.

Latest Updates on Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme

• December 2024: The present policy period began with accidental death or permanent total disablement cover of ₹7,00,000. The annual premium was fixed at ₹956, of which the worker pays only ₹143.
• Expanded Coverage: The Coconut Development Board extends insurance coverage beyond coconut tree climbers and neera technicians. Eligible beneficiaries also include hybridisation workers, coconut labourers, workers engaged in peeling or de-shelling coconuts, and labourers working at the Board’s DSP Farms.
• 2025-26: The Goa Government decided to provide free insurance coverage to coconut workers in the State.
• August 2026: The Press Information Bureau highlighted the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme among the Coconut Development Board’s measures for coconut workers. It also referred to Cocomitra units involving trained coconut climbers.
• November 2026: The present insurance policy period is scheduled to end in November 2026.
• December 2026: The next policy period is expected to bring revised insurance terms or premium rates. As the Board invites bids from public sector insurance companies every two years, workers should check the CDB website for the latest policy details before applying or renewing their coverage.
• Keep Documents Ready: Applicants and existing beneficiaries should keep their Aadhaar card, bank passbook copy and age proof ready. They should also arrange the required certification on the application form before applying or renewing the policy.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Coconut tree climbing, harvesting and other coconut-related activities involve a considerable risk of accidents. An accident can affect a worker’s ability to earn and create financial difficulties for the entire family. The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme provides financial protection to eligible workers against accidental death, disability and medical expenses.

The following benefits and coverage amounts apply to the scheme period from December 2024 to November 2026:

• ₹7,00,000 compensation in case of accidental death or permanent total disability.
• ₹3,50,000 compensation for permanent partial disability.
• Up to ₹2,00,000 towards hospitalisation expenses for admission as an in-patient for at least 24 hours, including eligible medicine expenses for up to 2 months after discharge.
• ₹3,500 per week for temporary total disability, for a maximum of 6 weeks during the policy period. The maximum compensation under this benefit is ₹21,000.
• Up to ₹3,500 towards ambulance charges in case of an accident or death, subject to submission of bills.
• ₹200 per day towards bystander expenses during hospitalisation, subject to a maximum limit of ₹3,000.
• Up to ₹5,500 towards funeral expenses in case of accidental death, against the required bills.
• Accident insurance coverage for 24 hours a day, including accidents occurring during and outside working hours.
• The annual insurance premium is ₹956, including GST. The beneficiary pays only ₹143, while the Coconut Development Board (CDB) contributes the remaining ₹813.
• The CDB and beneficiary share the annual premium in the ratio of 85:15, respectively.
• Trainees enrolled in the CDB’s Skill Development and Livelihood Support programmes receive free insurance coverage during the first year.
• The CDB pays 100% of the insurance premium for labourers working at its Demonstration-cum-Seed Production (DSP) Farms.
• The insurance company issues the policy within 20 working days, and the CDB sends it to the beneficiary.
• Eligible insurance claims are settled through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiary’s bank account within 15 working days after the insurance company verifies the submitted documents.
• The CDB sends a renewal notice to beneficiaries before their existing insurance policy expires.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme provides accident insurance coverage to people engaged in different activities related to coconut cultivation, harvesting and processing. Workers involved in high-risk activities, such as climbing coconut trees, tapping neera and harvesting coconuts, can apply if they meet the prescribed conditions.

Who Can Join

• Coconut tree climbers
• Neera tappers and Neera technicians
• Workers involved in coconut tree hybridisation
• Coconut harvesters and labourers working on coconut farms
• Workers engaged in peeling, de-husking or de-shelling coconuts on farms or in small-scale coconut-based industries
• Youth trained under the CDB’s Skill Development and Livelihood Support programmes, including Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT) and Neera Technician Training
• Labourers employed at the Coconut Development Board’s Demonstration-cum-Seed Production (DSP) Farms

Basic Conditions

• The applicant must be between 18 and 65 years of age, including both age limits.
• The applicant must live and work in a coconut-growing State of India.
• The application form must carry certification from one of the authorities recognised under the scheme.
• The applicant must have an Aadhaar Card and bank account for identity verification and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), wherever applicable.
• The applicant must pay the applicable beneficiary share of the insurance premium through an accepted online or offline payment method. Cash and money orders are not accepted.
• The insurance policy must be renewed every year, as the coverage remains valid for one year.
• The applicant or insured person must inform the Coconut Development Board about an accident within 3 days (72 hours).

Free Cover and Special Cases

• Trainees enrolled in the CDB’s Skill Development and Livelihood Support programmes receive free insurance coverage during the first year.
• Labourers working at the CDB’s DSP Farms must be covered under the scheme, with the Board paying 100% of their insurance premium.

Who Is Not Covered

• Individuals below 18 years or above 65 years of age.
• Losses or injuries that do not result from an accident, as the scheme provides coverage for accidental incidents.

Documents Required to be Attached

The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme, implemented by the Coconut Development Board (CDB), requires different documents for enrolment, policy renewal and insurance claims. Applicants should keep clear copies of the relevant documents ready and check the latest forms and instructions on the CDB website before submitting their application.

Documents for Enrolment

• Duly filled and signed application form
• Certificate or signature of the authorised certifying authority on the application form
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• First page of the bank passbook showing account details
• Premium payment receipt or bank transaction proof
• Valid age proof confirming that the applicant is between 18 and 65 years of age
• Training certificate or letter from the training in-charge (for FoCT, Neera Technician, Coco Mitra and Kera Kaushal Kendra trainees)
• Certificate or letter from the farm in-charge (for labourers working at CDB’s DSP Farms)
• Letter from the authorised signatory of the unit (for workers employed in small-scale coconut-based industries)
• Certificate or letter from the Department or Unit Head (for workers employed at Agriculture and Horticulture University farms)

Certifying Authorities for the Application Form

The application form must carry the certificate or signature of an eligible authority. The following authorities are listed for this purpose:

• Ward Member
• Municipal Corporation Councillor
• Panchayat President
• Agriculture Officer
• Horticulture Officer
• President of the Coconut Producers’ Society
• President of the Coconut Producers’ Federation
• Chairman of the Coconut Producer Company
• In-charge of the CDB DSP Farm
• Coco Mitra Training In-charge
• Kera Kaushal Kendra Training In-charge
• Authorised signatory of the small-scale coconut-based industry
• Department or Unit Head of the Agriculture or Horticulture University

Documents for Renewal

• Existing policy copy or policy number
• Renewal notice issued by the Coconut Development Board (CDB)
• Proof of premium payment

Documents for Claim

Policyholders or their representatives must submit the relevant documents to support an insurance claim. The following records may be required:

• Accident intimation submitted to CDB within 3 days (72 hours)
• Claim form downloaded from the CDB website, duly completed and signed by the consulting doctor
• Hospital discharge summary
• Hospital treatment bills and receipts
• Laboratory bills and reports
• Medical fitness certificate
• Pharmacy bills and medical prescriptions
• Copy of the insurance policy or policy number
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• First page of the bank passbook showing account details
• Discharge voucher and KYC form required by the insurance company

Additional Documents for Disability, Immobility and Death

Depending on the type of claim, the policyholder or nominee may also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• Disability certificate issued by the doctor (for permanent disability claims)
• Certificate from the treating doctor confirming at least 5 days of continuous immobilisation (for weekly compensation claims)
• Ambulance bills or receipts (for ambulance expense claims)
• Bystander bills or receipts (for bystander expense claims)
• Post-mortem report (in case of death)
• First Information Report (FIR) (in case of death)
• Inquest report (in case of death)
• Death certificate (in case of death)
• Funeral expense bills or receipts (in case of death)
• Legal Heirship Certificate (in case of death)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC), if required by the insurance company
• Any other supporting document requested by the insurance company for claim processing

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Applying for the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme involves a few simple steps. First, you need to fill out the application form, get it certified by an authorised local authority and submit it to the Coconut Development Board (CDB), Kochi, along with the required documents and your share of the insurance premium.

Your insurance coverage starts from the date on which CDB forwards your details to the insurance company. Therefore, complete your application carefully and submit it as soon as all your documents are ready.

Before You Apply

Step 1: First, check your age. You must be between 18 and 65 years to apply for the scheme.

Step 2: Make sure that you work in the coconut sector. For example, you may climb coconut trees, tap neera, harvest coconuts or work in a coconut farm or small-scale coconut-based industry.

Step 3: Keep your Aadhaar Card ready. You will need to attach a copy of it to your application form.

Step 4: Keep the first page of your bank passbook ready. It should clearly show your name, bank account number and other account details.

Step 5: Read the official operational guidelines of the Coconut Development Board to understand the insurance coverage, eligibility conditions and application requirements.

Fill and Certify the Form

Step 1: Visit the Official application forms page of the Coconut Development Board.

Step 2: Find the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme application form, download it and take a printout.

Step 3: Fill in the required details, including your name, address, age, occupation and bank account information. Write clearly so that the officials can easily read your details.

Step 4: Sign the application form in the space provided.

Step 5: Take the completed form to an authorised certifying authority in your area. You can approach a Ward Member, Panchayat President, Agriculture Officer or the head of your Coconut Producer Company.

Step 6: Ask the authorised person to verify your details and put their signature and official stamp on the application form.

Step 7: If you are a trainee under a CDB skill development programme, get your form certified by your training in-charge. Similarly, if you work at a CDB DSP Farm, approach the concerned farm in-charge for certification.

Pay the Premium and Send the Form

Step 1: Check the applicable annual premium. Under the premium structure mentioned for the December 2024 to November 2026 policy period, the total premium was ₹956. The beneficiary paid only ₹143, while CDB contributed the remaining ₹813.

Step 2: Pay your share through the online payment facility or bank transfer mentioned in the CDB application instructions. Do not pay through cash or money order.

Step 3: Save the payment receipt or transaction confirmation. You will need to attach it to your application.

Step 4: Attach a clear photocopy of your Aadhaar Card.

Step 5: Attach a copy of the first page of your bank passbook.

Step 6: Attach the premium payment receipt as proof of payment.

Step 7: Send your completed application form and supporting documents to the Coconut Development Board at Kera Bhavan, Kochi, either by post or by submitting them in person, as permitted under the current instructions.

Step 8: Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of the complete application and all attached documents for your records.

Step 9: If you are eligible for free first-year coverage as a trainee under a CDB Skill Development and Livelihood Support programme, you do not have to pay the beneficiary’s share of the premium for that year.

After You Send the Form

Step 1: Wait while the Coconut Development Board checks your application form, supporting documents and premium payment details.

Step 2: After verification, CDB forwards your details to the insurance company. Your insurance coverage starts from the date on which the Board sends your details to the insurer.

Step 3: The insurance company is expected to issue your policy within 20 working days.

Step 4: The Coconut Development Board sends the issued insurance policy to your address.

Step 5: Keep your policy document and policy number safely. You will need these details whenever you submit an insurance claim or renew your coverage.

If an Accident Happens

Step 1: Get medical assistance immediately after an accident. If you need hospital treatment, keep all medical records and bills safely. For hospitalisation benefits, check the minimum in-patient stay requirement under your policy.

Step 2: Inform the Coconut Development Board about the accident within 3 days (72 hours). If you are unable to contact CDB yourself, ask a family member to inform the Board on your behalf.

Step 3: Collect all medical documents, including the hospital discharge summary, treatment bills, laboratory bills, prescriptions and fitness certificate.

Step 4: After your hospital discharge, visit the Coconut Development Board’s application forms page and download the prescribed insurance claim form.

Step 5: Take the claim form to the doctor who treated you. Ask the doctor to fill in the required medical details and sign the form.

Step 6: Attach additional documents according to the type of claim. For example, submit a disability certificate for permanent disability or a doctor’s certificate confirming at least 5 days of continuous immobilisation for weekly compensation.

Step 7: In case of accidental death, the family or nominee must arrange the required documents, such as the post-mortem report, FIR, inquest report and Legal Heirship Certificate.

Step 8: Submit the completed claim form and supporting documents to CDB. The Board will examine the submitted papers and forward the claim to the insurance company for further processing.

Step 9: If the insurance company asks for additional formalities, complete the discharge voucher and KYC form and submit them along with any other required documents.

Step 10: After the insurance company verifies the claim documents, the approved compensation is paid through the prescribed payment process. The stated settlement timeline is 15 working days after document verification, subject to the applicable policy conditions.

Renew Every Year

Step 1: Remember that the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme policy remains valid for one year. You must renew it to continue receiving insurance coverage.

Step 2: Watch for the renewal notice sent by the Coconut Development Board before your existing policy expires.

Step 3: Pay your applicable share of the renewal premium through the accepted online payment method or bank transfer before the renewal deadline.

Important: Before applying or renewing your policy, check the official Coconut Development Board website for the latest application form, premium amount and insurance guidelines. The premium and insurance terms mentioned above relate to the December 2024 to November 2026 policy period. Always follow the latest instructions issued by CDB and the insurance company.

Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme: Comparison of Earlier and Present Insurance Cover

The insurance benefits and premium structure under the Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme have changed over time. As a result, some websites may still display the earlier coverage amounts, which can create confusion among coconut workers. The following table highlights the key differences between the earlier policy and the present policy period (December 2024 to November 2026).

The present policy offers higher insurance coverage across the major benefit categories compared with the earlier policy. Although the worker’s annual contribution has increased from ₹94 to ₹143, the Coconut Development Board now bears 85% of the total premium, reducing the worker’s share to 15%.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Coconut Development Board (CDB) Official Website – Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme Details
• Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme Application Form And Claim Form – Coconut Development Board
• Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme Operational Guidelines – Official CDB PDF
• Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme Guidelines For Coconut Tree Climbers – Coconut Development Board
• India’s Coconut Sector And Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme – PIB Report, August 2026
• Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme For Coconut Tree Climbers – Press Information Bureau

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Office: Coconut Development Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kera Bhavan, SRVHS Road, Kochi – 682011, Kerala
• Phone: 0484-2376265
• Email: kochi.cdb@gov.in
• Local Help: Your Ward Member, Panchayat President, Agriculture Officer or Coconut Producer Company, who can certify your form
• Training Level: The in-charge of your Friends of Coconut Tree, Neera Technician, Coco Mitra or Kera Kaushal Kendra training, for trainees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.