What changed
RBI directed banks to accept claims for missing persons from the June 2013 Uttarakhand disaster based solely on a death certificate from the designated officer under the MHA circular and a letter of indemnity. This overrides normal documentation requirements for these specific cases. For other missing persons, the existing 2008 circular on claim settlement continues to apply.
What it means for you
Banks must streamline claim processing for Uttarakhand disaster victims, reducing paperwork to just two documents. This reduces legal risk for lenders while ensuring timely relief to families. The 2008 circular remains the fallback for non-disaster missing person cases.
What you must do
- Accept death certificates issued under the MHA circular dated August 16, 2013, for Uttarakhand disaster missing persons.
- Require only the death certificate and a letter of indemnity for claim settlement in these cases.
- Apply the existing 2008 circular (DBOD.No.Leg.BC.80/09.07.005/2007-08) for all other missing person claims.
- Train branch staff on this simplified process to avoid delays or rejections.
Who it affects
All scheduled commercial banks excluding RRBs, Claimants and families of missing persons in the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster, Bank legal and operations teams handling death claims
What documents are needed for Uttarakhand disaster missing person claims?
Only two documents: a death certificate from the designated officer under the MHA circular and a letter of indemnity. No other paperwork is required.
Does this circular apply to missing persons from other disasters?
No, it applies only to persons missing due to the June 2013 Uttarakhand disaster. For other cases, banks must follow the 2008 circular on missing persons.
What if a claimant cannot produce the MHA death certificate?
The circular requires that certificate. Without it, the claim falls under the general 2008 circular, which may have different documentation requirements.