New schemes saw 5.5 crore enlistments before official launch: Modi

Prior to the official launch of the two insurance and one pension scheme of the central government, over five crore Indians have already enrolled in them during its trial run, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday.

"The scheme was run on a trial basis May 1 onwards before the official launch and already over five crore Indians, with enthusiasm have enrolled in it. This shows how much faith they (people) have on the (central) government," Modi said here while officially inaugurating the newly launched accidental and general insurance and pension schemes.

He said of those who have enrolled, West Bengal - where the schemes were officially announced - accounted for 42 lakh subscriptions.

He asked people to opt for the Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana, an accidental insurance scheme, Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, a life insurance scheme and Atal Pension Yojana, a pension programme -- all aimed to promote financial inclusion.

The prime minister asked people to enlist the poorer section of the society under these schemes which will help them secure their future and family.

"Give Rs. 12 from your own pocket to insure your driver, cook, liftman, housemaid or sweeper for their benefit. (If you do so), will they ever leave you?" Modi remarked while asking the people to come forward and help the financially-weaker section of the society.

Rs.12 is the annual premium for the accidental insurance cover of Rs. 200,000 which extends to permanent disability as well besides loss of life in case of an accident.

"Our aim is to cover maximum people possible under these schemes by August 30. We have confidence that we have been able to come up with schemes which are mainly targeted towards the poor," he said.

People can avail these schemes from June 1 to August 30.