Discussion on Insurance Awareness Concludes at Domestic and Small Industries Office, Sankhuwasabha

Sankhuwasabha — An interaction and awareness program on insurance, organized by the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), Koshi Province Office, was successfully held at the Domestic and Small Industries Office in Khandbari, Sankhuwasabha. 

The discussion centered on the programs conducted by the NIA Koshi Province in the insurance sector, its awareness initiatives, and the progress made in various insurance-related issues.

Mr. Sachin Rai, Assistant Deputy Director of the Nepal Insurance Authority, Koshi Province Office, presented on the positive developments in the insurance sector within Koshi Province since the establishment of the NIA's provincial office. 

He also highlighted efforts to eradicate malpractices and extend insurance access to the general public.

Mr. Deg Raj Basnet, President of the Sankhuwasabha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the necessity of making all industrialists and businesses understand the importance and need for insurance.

The interactive session featured a question-and-answer segment covering various topics, including underinsurance, whether or not insurance covers damages caused by monkey attacks, insurance for crops and livestock not covered by existing policies, the ongoing issue of agents creating high-value sum insured policies that are difficult to sustain, whether the Authority facilitates insurance, and what to do if the original insurance policy is lost.

Mr. Prem Chandra Kulung, Chief of the Domestic and Small Industries Office, stated that his office is committed to coordinating with stakeholders in the coming days to educate domestic and small-scale industrialists and businesses about the significance of insurance and how to protect themselves from potential loss and damage to their productivity.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Sunita Kafle, President of the Nepal Federation of Domestic and Small Industries, stressed the need for government mechanisms to continuously deliver supportive awareness about the importance of insurance to domestic industries and businesses in rural areas.

In response to the questions raised during the discussion, NIA Chief, Ms. Priti Dev, urged attendees to select appropriate plans such as property, building, stock, accident, and health insurance. 

She also provided information on insurance training, workshops, insurance fair organization, dissemination of awareness information through radio and social media, details regarding the claim process, the use of the complaint management system, and available subsidies.

The program saw the participation of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, former presidents, various business owners (including footwear, grill, allo, tailoring, grocery, agriculture, pickle, hotel, and furniture), and representatives from insurance companies and the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association.