New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) over allegations that families of children with hearing and speech disabilities are facing difficulties in securing life insurance policies.

According to the Commission, a copy of the proceedings has also been forwarded to the Secretary in the Finance Ministry’s Department of Financial Services.

A bench of the NHRC, presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

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The complaint, filed by the president of Laghu Udyog Bharati in Ludhiana, Punjab, alleges that insurance providers frequently deny coverage or impose restrictive terms on children with disabilities, citing their condition as a risk factor. The proceedings dated March 16 note that such practices create “financial insecurity” and restrict equal access to financial protection for specially-abled individuals.

The complainant has urged the regulator to frame clear policy guidelines to ensure that disability alone is not treated as grounds for denial of life insurance. The plea also calls for the promotion of inclusive insurance products and greater awareness among insurers on ensuring equal financial access for persons with disabilities.

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The NHRC observed that the allegations prima facie point to a violation of human rights. It has directed its registry to issue a formal notice to the IRDAI chairman, seeking a detailed inquiry into the claims and an action taken report within 15 days.

The IRDAI, headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, is the statutory body responsible for regulating and promoting the insurance sector in India.

PTI