Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana : In the heart of India’s vibrant desert state, Rajasthan, livestock is not merely a source of income; it is the very backbone of rural life and economy. For millions of farmers and cattle rearers, their animals—be it the majestic cows, resilient buffaloes, or sturdy goats—represent their savings, their insurance against bad harvests, and their cherished companions in life’s arduous journey. However, this vital asset is perpetually vulnerable. Diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), natural calamities, accidents, and surgical risks during treatments can strike unexpectedly, leading to devastating financial losses and emotional distress for these families.
Recognizing this profound challenge, the Government of Rajasthan embarked on a mission to shield its pastoral community. In a landmark move, the state government launched the Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana. This isn’t just another government scheme; it’s a social security net, a promise of stability, and a testament to the government’s commitment to its rural populace. The name “Mangla” itself signifies auspiciousness, aiming to bring prosperity and safety to every livestock-owning household in the state.
This ultimate guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about the Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana. We will delve deep into its objectives, unparalleled benefits, step-by-step application processes, and the intricate details of claiming insurance. Whether you are a farmer, a student of agricultural policy, or simply an interested citizen, this comprehensive article will equip you with all the necessary knowledge.
Chapter 1: Understanding the Core of Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana
1.1 What is Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana?
The Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana is a pioneering cattle and livestock insurance scheme launched by the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Rajasthan. Its primary objective is to provide a robust financial safety net to farmers and cattle rearers against the economic losses incurred due to the death of their insured animals.
The scheme is a blend of state support and modern insurance principles. It is implemented in collaboration with empanelled insurance companies, ensuring that the claims process is smooth, transparent, and timely. By paying a minimal, highly subsidized premium, farmers can insure their valuable animals and secure their livelihoods against unforeseen tragedies.
1.2 The Genesis and Vision: Why Was This Scheme Launched?
The inception of the Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana was driven by critical data and a clear-eyed understanding of ground realities:
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High Livestock Population: Rajasthan boasts one of the highest livestock populations in India. This sector contributes significantly to the state’s economy, but its potential was hampered by high mortality rates.
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Vulnerability to Diseases: The state is prone to outbreaks of endemic diseases like FMD and HS, which can wipe out entire small herds, pushing families into debt and poverty.
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Financial Insecurity: The death of a milch animal could mean the loss of a regular source of nutrition (milk) and income, crippling a family’s financial stability.
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Empowerment of Marginal Farmers: The scheme specifically targets small, marginal, and landless farmers, aiming to uplift the most vulnerable sections of the agricultural community.
The vision is clear: to promote sustainable livestock farming, encourage good animal management practices, and ultimately, to enhance the income and quality of life of the rural families of Rajasthan.
Chapter 2: Unpacking the Benefits – Why This Scheme is a Game-Changer
The Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana is replete with benefits that make it arguably one of the most farmer-friendly insurance schemes in the country.
2.1 Comprehensive Insurance Cover
The scheme provides a sum insured that is equal to the market value of the animal, ensuring that in the event of a loss, the farmer receives adequate compensation to purchase a new animal or cope with the income loss.
2.2 Heavily Subsidized Premium Rates
This is the cornerstone of the scheme. The premium rates are kept exceptionally low to ensure maximum enrollment.
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Farmer’s Share: The farmer pays only ₹ 50 (Fifty Rupees Only) per animal per year.
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State Government’s Share: The remaining premium amount is borne by the State Government. This massive subsidy makes insurance accessible to even the poorest farmer.
2.3 Wide Coverage of Risks
The insurance policy covers death due to a multitude of reasons:
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Accidents: Including fire, lightning, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, strikes, riots, and terrorism.
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Surgical Operations: Death occurring within 15 days of a surgical operation for the treatment of any disease.
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Calving/Buffalo Calving Related: Death within 15 days of calving.
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Infectious & Contagious Diseases: This includes diseases like FMD, HS, Black Quarter (BQ), etc.
2.4 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
The claim amount is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s linked Aadhaar-seeded bank account. This eliminates middlemen, ensures transparency, and speeds up the process.
2.5 Encouraging Scientific Management
The scheme indirectly promotes scientific livestock management. Regular vaccinations and treatments become more valuable to the farmer when the animal is insured, leading to better overall animal health.
Chapter 3: Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Avail the Scheme?
To ensure the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, the scheme has clearly defined eligibility criteria.
3.1 Eligible Beneficiaries
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Small & Marginal Farmers: As defined by the Government of Rajasthan.
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Landless Agricultural Labourers: Those who depend on livestock for their livelihood.
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Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribe (ST) Families: All such families owning livestock are eligible.
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Other Families: The scheme also extends to other categories as specified by the government from time to time. It is crucial to check the latest notifications on the official portal.
3.2 Eligible Animals
The scheme covers the following types of animals:
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Cows
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Buffaloes
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Sheep
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Goats
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Camels
3.3 Age Criteria for Animals
The animals must fall within a specific age bracket to be eligible for insurance:
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Cows/Buffaloes: 2 years to 9 years.
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Sheep/Goats: 6 months to 5 years.
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Camels: 3 years to 12 years.
3.4 Mandatory Identification: Pashu Dhara Card & Tagging
The animal must be tagged with a unique identification number (UIN) and the owner must possess a Pashu Dhara Card. This card is the primary document for enrollment and claim processing. The tagging is done by authorized veterinarians or para-vets.
Chapter 4: The Step-by-Step Guide to Enrollment and Application
The Government of Rajasthan has streamlined the application process, making it accessible both online and offline.
4.1 Prerequisites for Application
Before applying, ensure you have the following:
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Pashu Dhara Card
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Aadhaar Card of the beneficiary (linked with mobile number).
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Bank Account Details (account number and IFSC code) seeded with Aadhaar.
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Mobile Number (for OTP verification and updates).
4.2 Online Application Process: A Detailed Walkthrough
The online application portal, MMPBY.Rajasthan.gov.in, is the most efficient way to enroll.
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Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official website.
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Login/Registration:
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If you are a new user, click on “New Registration” or “पंजीकरण.” You will need to enter your Aadhaar number. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile for verification.
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If you are already registered, simply log in using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
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Access the Application Form: After logging in, navigate to the “Apply for Insurance” or “बीमा के लिए आवेदन” section.
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Fill in the Details:
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The system will auto-fetch your personal details from the Aadhaar database.
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You will then need to select the animal you wish to insure from the list of animals linked to your Pashu Dhara Card.
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Verify the animal’s details like species, age, and UIN.
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Premium Payment:
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The portal will display the total premium and the farmer’s share (₹ 50).
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Proceed to make the payment of ₹ 50 through the integrated online payment gateway (net banking, debit card, UPI, etc.).
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Acknowledgement & Certificate:
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Upon successful payment, you will receive an acknowledgment slip with a unique application number.
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The insurance certificate can be downloaded from the portal after the application is processed and approved by the insurance company.
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4.3 Offline Application Process
For those without internet access, the offline channel is available.
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Visit your nearest Pashudhan Sanjivini Kendra, Veterinary Hospital, or Gram Seva Kendra.
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Provide the necessary documents (Pashu Dhara Card, Aadhaar) to the authorized official.
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The official will help you fill the physical form and submit it.
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Pay the premium of ₹ 50 in cash at the center. You will receive a receipt as proof of application.
Chapter 5: The Claim Process – What to Do When the Unfortunate Happens
In the unfortunate event of the death of an insured animal, the beneficiary must follow a specific process to file a claim.
5.1 Immediate Steps Post-Death
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Inform Immediately: The death must be reported within 24 hours to the following authorities:
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The nearest Veterinary Officer/Institution.
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The concerned Insurance Company (toll-free number provided on the certificate).
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The Village Patwari / Revenue Officer.
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Post-Mortem Examination: Do not dispose of the carcass. A post-mortem examination is mandatory by the designated veterinarian to determine the exact cause of death. The Post Mortem Report is a critical document for the claim.
5.2 Documents Required for Claim Settlement
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Duly filled and signed Claim Form.
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Original Insurance Certificate.
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Post Mortem Report from the authorized veterinarian.
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Death Certificate issued by the Veterinary Officer.
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Photographs of the dead animal (as per specifications).
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Beneficiary’s Aadhaar Card and Bank Account details.
5.3 Claim Submission and Tracking
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The completed claim form along with all documents must be submitted to the Block Veterinary Officer or the designated insurance company official.
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The claim is then verified by various authorities, including the Revenue Department.
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Once verified and approved, the insurance amount is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account via DBT.
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You can track the status of your claim online on the MMPBY portal using your application number or Aadhaar number.
Chapter 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the premium amount I have to pay per animal?
Ans: The farmer’s share is a fixed ₹ 50 per animal per year. The rest is subsidized by the state government.
Q2: My animal died due to Foot and Mouth Disease. Is it covered?
Ans: Yes, death due to infectious diseases like FMD, HS, and Black Quarter is covered under the scheme.
Q3: How long does it take to receive the claim amount?
Ans: The process is designed to be swift. After the submission of all correct documents, the claim is typically settled within 15-30 days.
Q4: Can I insure an animal that is not tagged?
Ans: No, tagging with a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and possessing a Pashu Dhara Card is mandatory for insurance.
Q5: What if I lose my insurance certificate?
Ans: You can download a duplicate certificate anytime by logging into your account on the official MMPBY portal.
Q6: Is there a waiting period for the insurance cover to start?
Ans: Typically, the insurance cover becomes active from the day the premium is received. However, for deaths due to calving or specific diseases, a short waiting period may apply as per the policy terms. It’s best to refer to the policy document.
Chapter 7: The Bigger Picture: Impact and Future Roadmap
The Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana is more than just a financial tool; it’s a socio-economic intervention with a far-reaching impact.
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Risk Mitigation: It has instilled a sense of security among farmers, allowing them to invest more confidently in their livestock.
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Deterring Distress Sales: Farmers are less likely to sell their animals at throwaway prices during a drought or personal financial crisis, knowing they have insurance backing.
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Promoting Dairy & Animal Husbandry Sector: By securing the primary asset, the scheme contributes to the growth and stability of the entire dairy and meat industry in Rajasthan.
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Data-Driven Policy Making: The massive database of insured animals helps the government in better planning for disease control, vaccination drives, and fodder development.
Looking ahead, the integration of technology like Blockchain for tamper-proof records and IoT-based health monitors for animals could be the next evolutionary steps, making the scheme even more robust and proactive.
Conclusion: Securing Dreams, One Animal at a Time
The Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana stands as a shining example of how a well-conceived and empathetically implemented public policy can touch millions of lives. It is a perfect synergy of political will, administrative execution, and technological integration. By transforming livestock from a vulnerable asset into a secured one, the scheme is not just insuring animals; it is insuring dreams, educating children, putting food on the table, and empowering the real architects of rural India.
If you are an eligible beneficiary, do not delay. Visit the official portal or your local veterinary center today and secure your livelihood. This small step of paying ₹ 50 can save you from a potential financial catastrophe tomorrow.
Useful Links and Resources
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Official Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana Portal: https://mmpby.rajasthan.gov.in
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Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Rajasthan: http://animalhusbandry.rajasthan.gov.in
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National Livestock Mission, Government of India: https://nlm.icar.gov.in (For a broader context on national-level initiatives)
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. The rules, benefits, and procedures of the Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana are subject to change as per the notifications from the Government of Rajasthan. Always refer to the official website MMPBY.Rajasthan.gov.in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.