Maharashtra Expands Farm Accident Insurance Scheme, Extends Coverage Until 2031

Landless Farm Workers, Women Farmers and All Family Members to Be Covered; Cabinet Approves 200-Crore Outlay

Mumbai, August 4: In a major social security initiative aimed at strengthening financial protection for the state’s farming community, the Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved a three-year extension of the Gopinath Munde Farmers’ Accident Security Ex-Gratia Grant Scheme until March 31, 2031. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister .

The revised scheme significantly broadens its scope by bringing landless agricultural labourers, certified women farmers, and all eligible members of farmers’ families under its coverage. Previously, the scheme was restricted to only two members of a farmer’s household.

Designed as a financial safety net for families affected by accidental death or disability, the scheme covers incidents arising from agricultural work, lightning strikes, floods, snake and scorpion bites, electric shocks, road and vehicle accidents, and other unforeseen accidents. The Cabinet has also approved the inclusion of internal haemorrhage resulting from accidents and heatstroke as eligible categories under the scheme.

Beneficiaries will continue to receive ex gratia assistance ranging from 100,000 to 200,000, depending on the nature and severity of the accident.

Recognising the critical role played by landless agricultural labourers in Maharashtra’s rural economy, the state government has extended protection to this previously uncovered category. In addition, women holding certification under the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026, along with their family members, will now be eligible for benefits.

The Cabinet has also introduced administrative reforms to improve implementation. Appeals under the scheme will now be handled by the Additional District Collector, replacing the District Collector as the appellate authority. Applications for financial assistance must be submitted within two months of the incident.

To ensure faster and more transparent disbursement, compensation will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. An integrated online portal will also be developed to streamline applications, verification and payments.

The Maharashtra Cabinet has earmarked 200 crore for the implementation of the expanded scheme, reinforcing the state’s commitment to providing financial security to farmers and agricultural workers facing unforeseen tragedies. The move is expected to benefit lakhs of farming households across Maharashtra by offering broader insurance protection and faster access to financial relief.