Driving Insurance Access Expansion to Rural Areas: Besisahar Program Concludes Successfully

Insurance Access Expansion Rural

8th December 2025, Kathmandu

The Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) Gandaki Province Office successfully concluded a crucial interaction program in Besisahar, Lamjung, on Friday, December 5th (Mangsir 19).

Insurance Access Expansion Rural

This event, part of the NIA’s annual agenda, focused on “Discussion and Interaction with Local Government (Besisahar Municipality).” The primary goal was to ensure Insurance Access Expansion reaches rural areas, fostering growth in the Nepali insurance market.

The program aimed to highlight the significance of insurance, methods for mitigating financial losses from disasters, the insurance dispute resolution process, and coordinating with local levels to broaden insurance coverage. The event took place at Hotel Di Tukucha in Besisahar and saw a significant turnout of stakeholders committed to the cause.

Leadership and Key Participants

The program was chaired by Mr. Shambhu Mishra, Chief of the Nepal Insurance Authority, Gandaki Province Office. The Mayor of Besisahar Municipality, Mr. Guman Singh Aryal, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Manoj Singh Bohora, Acting Administrative Officer of Besisahar Municipality, served as the Special Guest.

Key attendees included:

• Dipesh Adhikari, Information Officer, Besisahar Municipality.

• Jayeshwar Shrestha, Gandaki Province Chief of IGI Prudential.

• Ward Chairpersons from Besisahar Municipality (Madan Bahadur Rana, Rishi Ram Basnet, Ganga Bahadur Thapa, and Shiv Prasad Joshi).

• Members of the Executive Committee (Shreenath Dulal, Sukmaya Gharti, Sukmaya Gurung, Manita Pariyar).

• Local intellectuals, representatives from life and non-life insurers, journalists, and professional farmers.

Detailed Focus on Insurance Education

Assistant Director of the NIA Gandaki Province Office, Ms. Kabita Pandey, skillfully conducted the program and provided a detailed presentation.

The program aimed to strengthen the understanding of insurance among local government officials and the public. A unique touch was added by author Laxmi Prasad Mishra, Acting Chairman of Karmada Srijana Manch, who recited literary creations related to insurance.

The comprehensive presentation covered a wide array of topics crucial for promoting and regulating the insurance sector. It specifically detailed the legal frameworks governing insurance in Nepal.

Essential Topics Covered

The presentation systematically delved into the operational and regulatory aspects of the sector. It covered the introduction to the NIA, the formation of its Governing Board, and its provincial structure.

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Furthermore, the roles, duties, and powers of the Authority were clearly outlined. An overview of regulatory institutions within Nepal’s financial system was also provided.

A core segment focused on foundational concepts, including:

Risk and Insurance: Understanding the core concepts of risk and how insurance serves as a tool for economic recovery from disaster-related losses.

Risk Transfer: Emphasizing the use of insurance for transferring financial risk away from individuals and businesses. Types of Insurance: Providing clarity on various insurance products available in the market.

Streamlining the Claims and Disputes Process

To improve transparency and trust, a significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the grievance and settlement process, covering everything from the registration of a complaint to its final resolution. This is a critical step in ensuring fair practice and increasing public confidence in the insurance system.

Special attention was given to the insurance products relevant to the local economy: Agricultural and Livestock Insurance: Details on the areas and procedures for covering crops, livestock, poultry, and herbs.

Subsidies and Policies: Information on government subsidies for crop and livestock insurance, along with different types and rates for livestock and fish insurance policies. Intermediaries: The vital role of intermediaries in facilitating agricultural and livestock insurance was discussed.

Collaborative Path for Insurance Development

The program concluded by outlining the path forward for collaborative efforts between the NIA and local governments. This included:

• Detailed arrangements and procedures for claim payments.

• Crucial points to consider when purchasing insurance policies.

• A list of insurance types made mandatory by the government.

• The maximum compensation limits under motor vehicle insurance.

The NIA outlined its expectations from the local government and detailed the support the Authority could offer to Besisahar Municipality in promoting insurance literacy and coverage.

This comprehensive approach is expected to significantly contribute to Insurance Access Expansion across rural and underserved populations.

For more: Insurance Access Expansion Rural