'Odisha farmers to get pending crop insurance claims in August'

New Delhi: Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram today met Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal to expedite disbursal of pending crop insurance claims under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

A committee comprising of members from Agriculture department, Finance department, State representatives, and insurance company representatives has been set up to expedite disbursal of the pending insurance claims, informed sources.

Pradhan said that by August all pending insurance claims will be disbursed.

"Discussions will be held not only with National Insurance Company Limited but also private insurance companies like Tata AIG and Chola MS and steps will be taken to clear pending insurance claims in the next 20 to 25 days. Everything will be settled by August," Pradhan said.

According to sources, the process of disbursal of insurance claims worth Rs 352 crore for the Kharif 2017 season is at an advanced stage and would be paid soon. The balance of Rs 173 crore is also being processed for quick settlement and these claims will also be disbursed within next few days.

On the other ruling-BJD has held the Central government responsible for the delay in insurance claim disbursals.

"Where would the farmers get money to continue farming? I urge the respective departments of the Centre to accelerate the disbursal process and provide the amount within 48 hours," BJD's Rajya Sabha MP, Prasanna Acharya said.