Maharashtra Expands Farmers Accident Scheme to Cover Nearly 6 Crore People
The Maharashtra government has expanded the Gopinath Munde Farmers’ Accident Security Ex-Gratia Grant Scheme to bring nearly six crore citizens, including landless agricultural labourers, certified women farmers, and farmers’ family members, under a state-backed accidental security net, Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal announced in Mumbai.
The scheme has been extended until March 31, 2031, with the state government allocating Rs 200 crore for its implementation over the next five years. Under the revised framework, eligible beneficiaries will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh in the event of death or severe disability caused by accidents, including road mishaps, lightning strikes, snakebites, heatstroke, and attacks by wild animals.
Jaiswal stated that the earlier version of the scheme was largely restricted to two registered land-owning members of a family, leaving landless labourers and women working in fields vulnerable to financial distress after accidents. The expansion aims to provide social security to all agricultural workers supporting the farming sector.
Under the new guidelines, land ownership documents and 7/12 extracts will no longer be mandatory for landless labourers. Gram Panchayats, agricultural officials, and village-level revenue authorities have been empowered to issue certificates confirming an individual’s status as an agricultural labourer.
The scheme covers beneficiaries between 18 and 75 years of age. Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and school-leaving certificates can be used to establish family relationships where required.
The state has also replaced the previous insurance-based mechanism with a direct benefit transfer system through the MahaDBT portal. Following verification by local committees, financial assistance will be transferred directly from the state treasury to the nominee’s bank account, with the administration aiming to settle claims within 30 days of filing.
Grievance redressal committees will operate at both district and state levels. Applicants facing rejections or administrative hurdles can approach the MahaDBT helpdesk or block development offices. To support rural workers, Gram Panchayats will display information about the scheme, and village-level offline helpdesks will assist applicants with documentation and digital uploads free of cost.
