Gopinath Munde Farmers Accident Scheme Expanded to Cover Nearly 6 Crore Citizens in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Expands Accident Protection for Farmers and Agricultural Workers

The Maharashtra government has expanded the Gopinath Munde Farmers’ Accident Security Ex-Gratia Grant Scheme to provide financial protection to nearly 6 crore people, including landless agricultural workers, women farmers and members of farmers’ families.

Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal said the expanded scheme is designed to provide stronger social security to people who depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The scheme has also been extended until March 31, 2031, with Rs 200 crore set aside for its implementation over the next five years.

Up to Rs 2 Lakh Assistance for Accidental Death or Disability

Under the revised scheme, eligible beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh in cases of accidental death or severe disability.

The support will cover accidents caused by incidents such as road accidents, lightning strikes, snakebites, heatstroke and attacks by wild animals.

The government said the expanded coverage will help families manage sudden financial difficulties after serious accidents involving agricultural workers.

Landless Agricultural Workers Added to the Coverage

Earlier, the scheme mainly covered two registered land-owning members of a farming family. This left many landless agricultural workers and women working in fields without similar financial protection.

Jaiswal said the revised scheme aims to address this gap by including people who contribute directly to agricultural activities but may not own farmland.

Importantly, land ownership documents or 7/12 land records will not be required for landless agricultural workers. Gram Panchayats, agricultural officials and village-level revenue authorities will be able to issue certificates confirming a person's status as an agricultural worker.

Women Farmers and Families to Benefit

Certified women farmers and eligible members of farmers’ families will also come under the expanded protection.

The scheme will be available to beneficiaries between 18 and 75 years of age. Aadhaar cards, ration cards and school-leaving certificates may be used to establish family relationships wherever necessary.

The broader eligibility is expected to make the scheme more accessible to agricultural communities across Maharashtra.

Direct Payments Through MahaDBT

The government has also changed the way financial assistance will be provided. The earlier insurance-based system has been replaced with a direct benefit transfer mechanism through the MahaDBT portal.

After applications are verified by the designated local committees, approved assistance will be transferred directly from the state treasury to the nominee’s bank account.

The government aims to complete claim settlements within 30 days of receiving an application.

Local Helpdesks to Support Rural Applicants

To improve awareness and make the scheme easier to access, Gram Panchayats will display information about the program in villages.

Offline helpdesks will also be available at the village level to help agricultural workers complete applications and upload documents. The assistance will be provided free of charge, which can help workers in areas with limited digital connectivity.

Applicants who face rejection or other administrative problems can approach grievance redressal committees at the district and state levels. They can also seek assistance through MahaDBT helpdesks and block development offices.

Government Focuses on Stronger Social Security for Farm Workers

The expansion of the Gopinath Munde Farmers’ Accident Security Scheme marks an effort by the Maharashtra government to extend accident protection beyond traditional land-owning farmers.

By including landless workers, women farmers and other eligible family members, the revised scheme aims to provide timely financial support to a much wider section of the agricultural community.

Jaiswal said the broader objective is to ensure that an unexpected workplace accident does not push a farming or agricultural worker’s family into financial hardship.