The injured Prashant Main and his father (right) Prakash

Not many parents know this, but their school (standards 1-10) and college-going (upto graduation) children are insured by the state Government should a mishap occur. This is under the Rajiv Gandhi Suraksha Yojna, introduced in 2003, and the schools and colleges covered are both government-aided as well as certified.

The government has insured 2.42 crore students across the state at a premium of 70 paise per student.

However, just 25,000 students between 2003-7 made claims against the policy, which is with United India Insurance Company in Fort. The amount for the claims made so far totals to Rs 10.08 crore, according to Vasant Purke, former minister for school education.

This policy is applicable to mishaps during school and outside it too. It covers medication, and also other losses such as a bicycle in an accident, a school bag, and books. The student, school or institute must inform the insurance company within seven days after the accident takes place. The policy for the current year was renewed on August 27, 2008 and will lapse on August 26, 2009.

One of those in the dark is Prashant Main (20), an HSC (Higher secondary School Certificate Examination) student who missed his first oral examination last week due to an accident a day before, when he fell off a crowded train.

Sunday MiD DAY spoke to Prashant's father Prakash Main who was surprised to hear about the insurance scheme. Though the HSC board exams are going to start from coming 26 February, Prashant missed his first oral exams.

"We are worried about Prashant's HSC exams. We have sent a message through his younger brother Hitesh to their principal to help Prashant. I work very hard to give better education to my kids. I will enquire about the policy in his school," said Main. Prashant is a class 12 student of Rajiv Gandhi Night College at Vikroli. He was returning home that night when he fell off the train between Kanjur Marg and Vikroli station. His head and hands were injured.

Balasaheb Mhatre, principal of Sandesh College, and owner of Rajiv Gandhi Night College, Vikroli said, "We will give all those policy facilities that are meant for students. Main will also get it once he or his parents approach us".

Insurance claims and what they entail

2003-04: Rs 28,500,000u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
2005-05: Rs 19,926,776
2005-06: Rs 19,819,000
2006-07: Rs 17,985,000
2007-08: Rs 28,200,000