State-run Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has relaxed the claim settlement and documentation process for the flood victims in the deluge-ravaged Kerala, including waiving off death certificates and delayed premium payment fees.

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The rain fury, the worst since 1924, began on August 8 and has left 223 dead as of today and forced over one million out of their homes. Between August 8 and 18, the state received almost four times more rainfall than the normal.

Since the beginning of the monsoon season late May, more than 370 people have lost their lives.

Most of the casualties happened in the rich central Kerala districts and still rescue operations are on in the central district of Pathanamthitta where tens of thousands are still marooned.

Announcing a slew of measures to ease the claim settlement process, LIC in a statement today said, "Our zone, division and branch authorities are in full alert and in touch with state and district authorities for settlement of claims reported due to the deluge."

The measures include removing the otherwise mandatory submission of the death certificate.

"LIC will accept a certificate from any authorised government official or a proof that the claimant has received ex-gratia from government as alternate proof of death. In deserving cases, a certificate issued by the agent concerned will also suffice, subject to certain conditions or a confirmed development officer can also certify the death," the national insurer said.

Accordingly, the corporation has also done away claim investigation irrespective of the duration of the policy. It has also waived off the late fee on premium due for 30 days from the date of declaration of calamity.

The corporation is also working with partner banks for expeditiously settling the claims coming under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.

It will also set up special help desks at divisional and branch offices to respond to policy enquiries and assist in expeditious settlement of claim for which instructions have already been issued.

"A special task force has been created to ensure that concessions and benefits are reaching the needy policyholders," it said, adding the corporation also appointed nodal officers for each of the 14 districts and also for Mahe for the public to seek support.

First Published:Aug 21, 2018 6:05 PM IST