The state cabinet, on Thursday, decided to implement Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme from Kharif 2016 season in the state. The scheme would be compulsory for farmers who have taken loans and voluntary for others. As many as five clusters have been made by classifying districts in categories of less, medium and more risk prone. For implementation of scheme in clusters, Government of India would invite tenders from empanelled 11 crop insurance companies to provide crop insurance at actual premium rates. The farmers would pay premium at the rate of 2 per cent of the sum insured for foodgrains, oilseeds and pulses during Kharif season. Similarly, the premium would be paid at the rate of 1.5 per cent of the sum insured during Rabi season and 5 per cent rate for commercial crops through banks. The difference of actual premium rate and premium rate paid by farmers would be given as premium grant. The cabinet also gave its approval to the establishment of 2000 new sub-health centres across the state. A regular post of ANM was also approved for every sub-health centre. Contractual ANMs through National Health Mission would be posted at these centres. These centres would be opened soon in rented buildings. In the cabinet meeting, it was decided to increase compensation in cases of damage to human life by wild animals and loss of livestock. In cases of deaths, the dependents of the deceased would be given a relief of Rs 4 lakh. If death takes place during medication, then expenses made on treatment would also be covered. In cases of permanent disability, a relief of Rs 2 lakh and expenses on medication would be given.  The cabinet also gave its administrative sanction of Rs 1513.21 crore for various irrigation schemes. Source - www.freepressjournal.in