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NHRC Acts on Disability Insurance Denial & School Fan Accident

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the IRDAI following a complaint that persons with hearing and speech disabilities are being denied life insurance coverage. The Commission has directed the insurance regulator to take action and respond within 15 days. In a separate, suo motu case, the NHRC has intervened after two students in a Rajasthan school were injured by a falling ceiling fan, alleging gross negligence. It has sought a detailed report from Barmer district authorities within two weeks on the students' condition and action taken.

Key Points: NHRC Notices on Insurance Denial & School Safety Negligence

  • NHRC notice to IRDAI on disability insurance denial
  • 15-day response deadline set
  • Separate case on Rajasthan school fan injury
  • Report sought from Barmer district authorities
2 min read

NHRC issues notice to IRDAI over life insurance denial to disabled persons

NHRC issues notice to IRDAI over life insurance denial to disabled persons, also takes up Rajasthan school fan injury case. Details inside.

"raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims - NHRC Press Release"

New Delhi, March 24

The National Human Rights Commission has received a complaint stating that persons with hearing and speech disabilities are not able to avail the benefits of life insurance.

This is because insurance companies are not providing insurance coverage to persons with disabilities.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the bench of the Commission headed by Priyank Kanoongo has issued a notice to Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), directing it to take appropriate action in this matter and submit a response to the Commission within 15 days.

A copy of this notice has also been sent to the Ministry of Finance.

Meanwhile, NHRC on Friday took suo motu cognisance of a media report that two students of a government higher primary school in the Barmer area of Rajasthan were seriously injured when a ceiling fan in their class fell on them on March 16.

According to a press release issued by NHRC on March 20, reportedly, the family members of the injured students and local residents have alleged that the incident occurred due to gross negligence of the school administration.

The Commission has sought a comprehensive report from the district authorities within two weeks, which should include details of the health condition of the injured students and the action taken against those responsible for the incident.

"The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Barmer, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. It is expected to include the health status of the injured students as well as action taken against the responsible persons," the release said.

According to the media report carried on March 16, the accident happened when the hook holding the ceiling fan suddenly broke.

The NHRC's intervention comes in response to allegations of gross negligence on part of the school administration in maintaining basic safety standards.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Shocking that in 2025, we still have such regressive practices. My cousin is hearing impaired and faced similar issues. Insurance is a basic financial security tool, not a luxury. Hope the notice leads to concrete guidelines.
D
David E
The school fan incident in Rajasthan is equally disturbing. Basic infrastructure safety in government schools is a chronic issue. NHRC's suo motu action is good, but accountability must be fixed. Those children's trauma is unforgivable.
A
Aman W
While I support NHRC's action, I hope the response is practical. Insurance companies assess risk. The solution isn't to force them to take on unsustainable risk, but to create a fair framework, perhaps with government support. Just my two paise.
S
Shreya B
Both stories show systemic failure. One is financial exclusion, the other is criminal negligence in child safety. NHRC is doing its job, but will the authorities act? We see so many notices and then the matter fades away. Hope this is different.
K
Karthik V
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act is clear on non-discrimination. IRDAI should have proactively prevented this. Good that NHRC stepped in. Also, the school principal in Barmer should be suspended immediately for endangering lives.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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