123Pune.com

Pune, May 12: THE Pune Municipal Corporation has not received a single claim for accident insurance scheme it launched for cyclists five months ago. The city, incidentally, has nearly 10 lakh cyclists.

The scheme was to promote cycles as an environment-friendly mode of transport and put back on track the failed cycle track project. The insurance scheme was one of the suggestions made by citizens during the public participation exercise ahead of the budget making process, last year.
Accordingly, the municipal administration had allocated Rs one crore in the 2006-07 budget, introduced in December 2006. However, with no claim being made, this amount has now lapsed. Despite this, the civic administration has continued with the provision of Rs one crore in the 2007-08 budget.

“The objective is to promote cycling amongst Puneites, so we decided in favour of continuing the insurance scheme,” said additional health chief ST Pardeshi. “Unfortunately, not many people know about the scheme. It is quite possible that the number of cyclists meeting major or fatal mishaps is negligible. Hence, there has not been a single claim so far,” he added.

The scheme entitled a cyclist to Rs 25,000 in case of injuries involving medical expenses above Rs 5,000. In case of death while riding a bicycle, the family members were entitled to Rs one lakh. The municipal administration had even shortlisted and recognised 40 city hospitals where cyclists could get treatment and claim insurance cover.

Pune Cycle Pratisthan president and Indian Medical Association vice president Dilip Sarda said the PMC should involve cycling organisations and the medical fraternity to promote the scheme. “There should be awareness about the scheme amongst cyclists and hospitals and dispensaries should be informed about the insurance scheme,” he said.

The organisation which has over 300 members is involved in promoting cycling in the city. “It is the best way to stay healthy and check pollution. The PMC's accident insurance may have failed to take off but the effort is commendable,” said Sarda, adding that the civic body must continue with the scheme since the city roads are clogged with heavy traffic and there are not enough cycle tracks.

Source:PUNE NewsLines