Bangalore University set to give life and health insurances to students on Jnana Bharati campus

In a unique move, Bangalore University has decided to provide life insurance and health insurance to all students studying on its Jnana Bharathi campus. A decision to this effect was taken in the recent syndicate meeting of the university. The decision will be implemented from the academic year 2025-26.

There are a total of 54 departments related to various undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs, and more than 4,000 students, on the Jnana Bharathi campus. Additionally, the syndicate has directed that all students of the university’s affiliated colleges should be registered for insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Suraksha Yojana.

Why the initiative

Most students studying at Bangalore University are from rural areas and belong to economically and socially weaker sections. Two major roads pass through the Jnana Bharathi campus: one from Mysuru Road towards Ullal and the other from Nagarbavi towards Kengeri. These roads are consistently congested with traffic, and accidents are frequent; as a result, students are often injured in these incidents.

A postgraduate student died in a bus accident two years ago. When any such accident occurs, compensation is provided to the students and their parents from the university’s funds, which the insurance will now cover.

Decision in 2017

Bangalore University had decided to provide health insurance to all its students in 2017. It had also formed an expert committee in this regard. The committee had discussed and submitted a report on the total premium amount of health insurance, including the student’s share and the university’s share. But it was not implemented.

However, there was a demand from students for health insurance. Students were registered under the ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme in 2024-25, and Ayushman cards were issued. However, as there is limited coverage under this scheme, the university has decided to provide additional life insurance and health insurance facilities for improved coverage.

Speaking to The Hindu, M.S. Jayakara, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, “Most of our students are from economically weaker families. They are not able to afford life insurance and health insurance. Till now, compensation has been provided from the university’s accumulated fund, which has become a burden. In this context, it has been decided to provide insurance facilities to all students.”

Implementation

The university has decided to include the insurance premium amount with the annual fees paid by students. “I have instructed the finance officers to discuss and report on the insurance amount to be fixed for students. The insurance scheme will be implemented without burdening the students by getting assistance from the State government too,” said Dr. Jayakara.

Students welcome move

Students have welcomed the initiative, but requested that the insurance premium should not be a burden on them.

“Our university’s decision to provide insurance facilities for the safety of students is commendable. However, students should not be burdened with the insurance premium. It would be better if the university itself pays most of the premium amount, or even makes it free of cost,” said Sinchana, a postgraduate student.