New Delhi: After Mumbai, the government has approved a group insurance scheme for drivers of CNG taxis and auto rickshaws in the national capital and adjoining towns.

The scheme approved by Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily will cover all drivers against death or permanent disability arising out of accidents caused while driving taxis and auto rickshaws that run on compressed natural gas.

Drawn on the lines of the 'Mahasuraksha Yojana' launched for taxi and auto drivers in Mumbai in May 2006, Indraprastha Gas Ltd will steer the implementation of the scheme in Delhi and NCR towns of Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad, official sources said.

The IGL Suraksha Yojana will provide insurance cover to about 3 lakh drivers of CNG-run public transport vehicles registered in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida.

A sum of Rs 1.5 lakh will be paid to the nominee of the driver in case of death. An additional amount of Rs 25,000 per child will be paid towards education allowance, subject to a maximum of Rs 50,000.

In case of an accident requiring treatment for injury or fracture, a maximum of Rs 10,000 would be payable, they said, adding a lump sum equal to 100 percent of the amount will be payable to the insured person in case of permanent disability leading to loss of employment.

In case of partial disability, graded compensation of Rs. 1,500 to Rs 75,000 would be given.

The pre-condition for availing of the scheme is that the drivers of public transport vehicle must have valid licenses.

The social initiative is expected to benefit nearly 3 lakh drivers of CNG-run taxi and auto rickshaws within IGL's area of operations in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida.

The policy will also cover drivers who convert their vehicles to CNG in the future. Currently, almost all taxis and auto rickshaws in Delhi have been converted to CNG.

Sources said a private sector general insurance company will be roped in to offer the group personal accident insurance cover.

PTI