Bhajani Kailali Insurance Awareness: Nepal Insurance Authority Program
6th May 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal Insurance Authority’s Sudurpashchim Provincial Office recently organized an insurance-focused interaction and discussion program in Bhajani Municipality, Kailali. The event took place on May 5 and aimed to raise awareness and engage local stakeholders in insurance-related matters.
Bhajani Kailali Insurance Awareness
The session was held under the chief guestship of Mayor Kewal Chaudhary. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Suryabahadur Singh attended as the special guest. This initiative aligned with the Authority’s ongoing efforts to increase insurance literacy at the local level.
Wide Participation from Local Stakeholders
The program drew strong participation from various groups. These included members of the municipal executive, ward chairs and members, municipal staff, teachers, and representatives from agricultural and livestock agencies. Local business owners, farmers, insurance agents, and branch heads from life and non-life insurance companies also joined the discussion.
The turnout reflected a growing interest in understanding insurance and its role in community resilience and economic protection.
Topics Covered During the Session
Officials from the Nepal Insurance Authority delivered a comprehensive presentation. The content covered the Authority’s structure, legal mandate, and responsibilities. It also explained key legal provisions related to insurance, policyholder rights, and the claim settlement process.
Participants learned about the necessary documents for claims, especially in life and non-life insurance. The session also addressed how insurance can support disaster-prone communities like Bhajani, which frequently faces floods.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on integrating insurance policies into municipal budgets. Officials suggested that local governments could offer subsidies on premiums to encourage wider adoption among citizens.
Mayor Highlights Flood Risk and Agricultural Insurance
Mayor Kewal Chaudhary emphasized the unique challenges Bhajani faces. He noted that it is one of the most flood-prone areas in Kailali. Therefore, he stressed the importance of agricultural insurance for protecting the livelihoods of local farmers.
The Mayor also pointed out that the municipality has already insured its executive members and employees. However, he acknowledged that issues persist, particularly regarding claim settlements. He urged the Insurance Authority to take strong steps to address these problems and work with local governments to safeguard citizens’ property and lives.
Call for Better Claim Settlement and Trust Building
During the open floor discussion, many attendees expressed concerns. They cited delays in claim processing, especially for COVID-related policies. Some raised issues with low valuation in livestock insurance and documentation challenges in engineering insurance.
The participants highlighted how such issues reduce public trust in insurance. They urged insurance companies and regulators to act responsibly and transparently.
In response, Mayor Chaudhary emphasized the need for a smooth and efficient claim settlement process. He called on insurance companies to act with accountability. He also asked the Authority to enforce effective regulation to boost public confidence.
Authority Responds to Public Queries
Kedar Nath Bhatt, head of the Sudurpashchim Provincial Office, responded to the concerns. He encouraged insurance companies to adopt a long-term vision rather than chasing short-term profits. He reminded branch heads to focus on building trust among the people.
Bhatt instructed insurers to assess livestock and property based on actual market value. He also invited citizens to contact the provincial office directly for help with insurance-related issues.
Regarding COVID-19 insurance claims, he clarified that payments will be made only after government clearance. Bhatt assured participants that the Authority is ready to work with local governments and requested municipalities to appoint insurance focal persons for better coordination.
Efforts to Promote Insurance Across the Region
This event is part of a broader strategy by the Nepal Insurance Authority. The Authority has been conducting such interactive programs across provinces for years. It aims to reach farmers, public representatives, students, banks, cooperatives, and civil society.
Bhajani Municipality, with over 51,000 people across nine wards, is a vital part of the Authority’s outreach plan in Sudurpashchim Province. With its strategic location and vulnerable geography, it stands to benefit greatly from increased insurance literacy and access.
Conclusion
The interaction in Bhajani served as a platform to raise critical issues and clarify insurance processes. It brought together diverse voices, from policymakers to farmers. The session not only highlighted ongoing challenges but also showed a shared willingness to improve insurance access and efficiency at the grassroots level.
As Nepal pushes forward with insurance reform and public awareness, such dialogues play a crucial role in ensuring that no community is left behind.
For more: Bhajani Kailali Insurance Awareness
