Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, 28 June, underscored how the Centre is extending a 'protective shield' to crores of Indian families through low-cost government insurance schemes. Speaking from New Delhi, Modi cited enrolment figures, payout data, and a heartwarming community gesture from Maharashtra to illustrate the reach of social security in India.

The Nanded Family That Gifted Insurance

Modi opened his remarks with an anecdote about the Pethkar family from the village of Bahadarpura in Nanded, Maharashtra. On the occasion of a wedding in their home, the family arranged accident insurance for approximately 3,500 villagers, providing each individual with a cover of ₹1 lakh.

'The sentiment behind this initiative is truly touching. The family had observed that households often face severe financial hardship following an accident. During such times, even a little aid turns out to be of great support,' Modi said. He described such occasions — birthdays, weddings, and family functions — as community celebrations rather than private affairs, and held up the Pethkar family's gesture as a model of collective responsibility.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: 58 Crore Enrolled

Highlighting the Centre's flagship accident insurance scheme, Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) offers accidental insurance cover of up to ₹2 lakh for an annual premium of just ₹20. More than 58 crore people have enrolled in the scheme to date, of whom approximately 28 crore are women.

Affected families have received cumulative assistance of over ₹3,700 crore through PMSBY, according to available accounts. The scheme's ultra-low premium — effectively less than two paise a day — has been central to its mass adoption across lower-income households.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: ₹22,000 Crore Paid Out

Modi also drew attention to the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), which provides a life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh to a policyholder's family in the event of death. The annual premium stands at ₹436 — roughly ₹1.50 per day.

Over 27 crore people have enrolled in PMJJBY so far. Around 11 lakh families across India have received aggregate assistance of approximately ₹22,000 crore under the scheme. 'These figures are massive,' Modi said, adding that behind every number lies the story of a family navigating hardship — 'somewhere, a mother received help to continue her children's education, while elsewhere, a wife found the support needed to manage household responsibilities.'

Modi's Call to Spread Awareness

The Prime Minister urged citizens to share information about both schemes with their families and communities. 'Often, a significant safety net can begin with a very small amount and a tiny step; even a small decision can bring about a major change,' he said. The appeal reflects a recurring theme in Mann Ki Baat — using the platform not just to announce policy but to drive grassroots uptake of welfare programmes. Notably, this is the 135th consecutive monthly episode of the programme, which Modi has used since 2014 to communicate directly with citizens outside formal press channels.