Financial security: BoB announces ₹10 lakh ex gratia if a business correspondent succumbs to coronavirus

NE BUSINESS BUREAU

MUMBAI, APRIL 25

Public sector lender Bank of Baroda on Saturday said it has extended financial support to business correspondents through ex gratia of ₹10 lakh in case of loss of life and health insurance cover of ₹60,000 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Besides, to ensure the maintenance of hygiene and safety, the bank is also providing additional support in tranches to keep the BC points sanitized and clean through sanitizers, disinfectants, and use of the mask. In the first tranche, ₹2,000 was provided to each active and functional BC in April 2020. In May, each active and functional BC will be provided ₹1,000 for hygiene maintenance purposes,” the bank said.

The bank also said it will pay ₹100 per working day towards transportation as an incentive to the BCs to encourage them to provide services from 10 am to 5 pm till June 30 (except where local level restrictions are imposed) subject to a minimum of 40 transactions.

“They are our connection to the masses of India and a key part of our bank’s efforts to deliver the benefits of the government’s financial package under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Pension, etc. While we pray for the well-being and safety of the BCs, the bank has taken steps for their financial security, in terms of ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the nominee in case of loss of life of BC due to COVID-19, and health insurance facility of ₹60,000 to each active BC,” Vikramaditya Singh Khichi, executive director, Bank of Baroda said in a statement.