LOK SABHA
USTARRED QUESTION NO.3564
TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2018
MGPSY
3564. SHRI GODSE HEMANT TUKARAM:
DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) has been closed;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether there is any alternative scheme launched to protect the emigrant workers welfare; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) Yes.
(b) The Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY), a voluntary scheme launched in May 2012, suffered from very low subscription. After a comprehensive review, it was found that MGPSY, being a non-attractive scheme, was not taking off. Therefore, a decision
was taken to close this scheme w.e.f 1st April 2017 with the approval of the Union Cabinet. In 5 years, there were only 1071 registered subscribers out of which only 443 subscribers were active at the time of closure of the scheme.
(c) & (d) The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), a mandatory insurance scheme for Emigration Check Required (ECR) category workers that provide an insurance cover of 10 lakhs in case of accidental death or permanent disability and some other benefits at
a nominal insurance premium of Rs. 275/Rs. 375 for a period of two/three years is being implemented in a better form.
The earlier scheme faced certain implementation related issues viz. scope of coverage, no information to nominees, no facility for on-line renewal and difficulty in certification of accidental death/permanent disability while in employment aboard. After a comprehensive
review, all these issues have been addressed in consultation with all stake holders.
The revised scheme, operational w.e.f. 1st August, 2017, provides for global coverage irrespective of employer and location, has facility for online renewal and simplifies the process for certification of accidental death/permanent disability. The revised scheme
is simpler and more beneficial for emigrant workers and is aimed at ensuring an expeditious settlement of claims.
Emigrant workers in the age group of 18-40 years can also avail the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), which is aimed at providing social security cover to those employed in unorganized sector through a guaranteed minimum monthly pension.
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