Thane: The Thane Vrindavan Kairali Cultural Association has strongly protested against the steep and unreasonable increase in the premium rates of NORKA Care, the insurance scheme introduced by the Kerala Government for expatriate Malayalis.
At the association’s monthly committee meeting, chaired by President M. R. Sudhakaran, it was decided to bring the matter to the attention of the Chief Minister of Kerala, expressing concern over the unprecedented increase in insurance premiums, which has created considerable anxiety and disappointment among the Malayali expatriate community.
Association Secretary P. K. Ramesan stated that the extent of the premium hike is evident from the following figures:
- For individuals below 60 years of age: The premium has increased from ₹8,101 to ₹28,326.
- For individuals above 60 years of age: The premium has increased from ₹13,414 to ₹44,718.
These figures represent an increase of approximately 250% and 233%, respectively. Such a steep hike places a significant financial burden on policyholders.
The Pravasi Insurance Scheme is an important social security initiative introduced by the Kerala Government to ensure financial protection for Malayalis living outside Kerala. Many expatriates, including those with limited incomes, senior citizens and retired individuals, depend on this scheme for affordable insurance coverage.
The association pointed out that such a substantial increase is beyond the financial capacity of ordinary expatriate families. In particular, senior citizens above 60 years of age, who need insurance protection the most, may find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to pay the revised premium amounts.
The association further expressed concern that the steep increase could force many existing policyholders to discontinue their insurance coverage, thereby defeating the fundamental welfare objective of the scheme.
Considering these concerns, the association has urged NORKA ROOTS and the Kerala Government to take the following measures:
- Reconsider the substantial increase in insurance premiums and significantly reduce the revised rates.
- Restore premium rates to more reasonable and affordable levels.
- Introduce special concessions and preferential premium rates for senior citizens above 60 years of age and retired expatriate beneficiaries.
- Take into consideration the financial circumstances of existing policyholders before implementing such significant changes.
- Consult expatriate organisations and their representatives before introducing major changes to this important welfare scheme for non-resident Keralites.
Keeping the broader interests of the expatriate community in mind, the association has requested the Kerala Government to adopt a sympathetic approach towards the issue and take immediate corrective measures.
The association has formally communicated its requests through email to both NORKA ROOTS and the Chief Minister of Kerala.
President M. R. Sudhakaran, Secretary P. K. Ramesan and other committee members participated in the meeting.