Deputy CM Hands Over ₹1 Crore Insurance Support to Family of Deceased NPDCL Lineman

In a significant show of support for frontline utility workers and their families, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday presented a ₹1 crore personal accident insurance cheque to the family of a lineman who lost his life while on duty.

The beneficiary, Sonkamble Swapna , wife of late Sonkamble Pramod Kumar , received the insurance assistance during a programme held at Praja Bhavan . Pramod Kumar was employed as a lineman with the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (NPDCL) and was serving in the Basara region when he met with a fatal accident while performing his duties on March 24, 2025 .

The compensation was made possible through an agreement between NPDCL and Union Bank of India , under which employees holding salary accounts under the USSA-2 and USSA-3 schemes are covered by a personal accident insurance policy worth ₹1 crore. Pramod Kumar had enrolled under the scheme after opening his salary account in September 2024.

Following his death, his wife submitted an insurance claim as the nominee. The claim was processed and approved within a short period, with the full amount credited to her account on May 30, 2026 . Officials described the swift settlement as an example of how employee welfare mechanisms can provide timely financial security to families facing unexpected loss.

Addressing the gathering, Bhatti Vikramarka said the prompt disbursal of the insurance amount reflected the government's commitment to safeguarding the interests of employees and ensuring that their families are not left vulnerable during times of crisis. He noted that workers engaged in essential public services often perform their duties under challenging conditions and deserve strong institutional support.

The Deputy Chief Minister also appreciated the coordination between the power utility and the banking sector in ensuring a hassle-free claim settlement process. He emphasized that welfare measures such as accident insurance provide an important safety net for employees working in high-risk occupations.

The event was attended by NPDCL CMD Varun Reddy , Finance Director Tirupati Reddy , Union Bank of India CEO Ashish Pandey , Executive Director Amaresh Prasad , Branch Manager Vijay Kumar , and other senior officials, who conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirmed their commitment to employee welfare.