What changed
RBI issued a circular on October 30, 2013, instructing UCBs to follow a simplified claim settlement process for missing persons from the Uttarakhand natural disaster. Banks must accept the death certificate issued by the designated officer under the MHA circular and a letter of indemnity as sufficient documentation.
What it means for you
UCBs can now process claims for missing persons in the Uttarakhand disaster without requiring multiple documents, reducing customer hardship. This streamlines operations but requires banks to verify the death certificate's authenticity and ensure indemnity letters are properly executed. For other missing person cases, the earlier 2008 circular remains applicable.
What you must do
- Accept only the MHA-designated death certificate and letter of indemnity for claims related to the Uttarakhand disaster missing persons.
- Verify that the death certificate is issued by the designated officer under the MHA circular dated August 16, 2013.
- Apply the existing 2008 circular on missing persons for all other cases not covered by this MHA circular.
- Train staff on the simplified documentation process to ensure quick claim settlement.
Who it affects
All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, Customers with missing relatives in the Uttarakhand June 2013 disaster
What documents are needed to settle claims for missing persons in the Uttarakhand disaster?
Only two documents: the death certificate issued by the designated officer under the MHA circular and a letter of indemnity. No other documentation is required.
Does this circular apply to missing persons from other disasters?
No, it applies only to persons missing due to the Uttarakhand natural disaster in June 2013. For other cases, banks must follow the earlier circular from May 12, 2008.