🔥 What’s the scheme about?

• Bihar has launched a Heatwave Insurance scheme to support about 1.5 lakh women laborers working in difficult conditions during extreme heat.

• Whenever the temperature crosses 40°C, these women will receive ₹300 per day directly in their bank accounts.

• This helps women who have to work outdoors despite the scorching heat, easing their financial stress on unbearably hot days.

Currently, it’s a pilot project available in these districts:

• Patna

• Gaya

• Munger

• Bhagalpur

• Banka

• Katihar

• Purnia

• Siwan (threshold temperature not finalized yet)

• Women working in informal sectors: domestic help, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc.

• Those who must go out in extreme heat for work and face health and income risks.

• Called a Heatwave Insurance.

• Provides daily financial help during April to September when heatwaves occur.

• Covers loss of income on days with extreme heat, ensuring economic support.

• Earlier, the insurance fee was ₹300 but now it is free for the women.

• On each day temperature crosses the threshold, women get ₹300 credited automatically.

• For example, if in a month there are 10 such days, they get ₹3000.

• Payouts are made via ICICI Bank.

• Women must visit the Self Employed Women Association (SEWA) office in their district.

• Required documents:

  • Aadhaar card

  • Bank passbook

  • Mobile number

• Patna office is located near Patliputra Golambar, Atal Park, Flat No. 30.

• The pilot may expand statewide based on its success.

• Initiated by Gujarat’s SEWA, now extended to Bihar to help women laborers cope with climate stress.