Rs 10 Lakh Cover, Free Treatment: Maharashtra’s Big Safety Net For Govindas Ahead Of Dahi Handi

Ahead of Dahi Handi, the Maharashtra government has announced insurance cover for 1.60 lakh Govindas. Here’s who is eligible and what the policy covers

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Maharashtra offers 1.6 lakh Dahi Handi Govindas Rs 10 lakh accident insurance and free government hospital treatment, ensuring financial protection during the annual festival.

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Dahi Handi 2026: Welcoming the government’s decision, Purvesh Pratap Sarnaik said prioritising the safety of Govindas would help ensure the festival is celebrated in a safer environment while providing much-needed financial security to participants and their families.

Mumbai News Update: Ahead of the Gokulashtami and Dahi Handi celebrations, the Maharashtra government has approved an accident insurance scheme for 1.60 lakh Govindas, offering a maximum insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to participants across the state.

According to a government order, the scheme aims to provide financial protection to Govindas who risk serious injuries while forming human pyramids during the annual festival. Government hospitals will also provide free treatment to injured participants. According to a report by The Times of India, the insurer for the scheme is yet to be finalised.

What The Insurance Covers

Under the scheme, Govindas or their families will reportedly receive Rs 10 lakh in the event of accidental death or if an accident results in the loss of both hands, both legs or both eyes.

Participants who lose one hand, one leg or one eye in an accident will be eligible for Rs 5 lakh in compensation.

The government has also provided Rs 10 lakh cover for cases involving permanent total disability, while compensation for permanent partial disability will be paid in accordance with the terms of the insurance policy.

In addition, Govindas hospitalised after an accident will receive reimbursement of their actual medical expenses or financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh, whichever is applicable.

Proposal Followed Demand To Expand Cover

The announcement comes after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed officials to take immediate action on a proposal seeking wider insurance coverage for Govindas participating in this year’s festivities. The proposal was submitted by Yuva Sena Working President Purvesh Pratap Sarnaik, who urged the government to increase the number of beneficiaries from around one lakh last year to nearly two lakh this year.

According to a report in Mid Day, in his letter, Sarnaik said Gokulashtami and Dahi Handi are integral to Maharashtra’s cultural traditions, but participants face significant risks not only during the festival but also while practising, with training sessions beginning from Guru Purnima.

He noted that many Govinda mandals operate with limited financial resources and often struggle to bear medical expenses following accidents. Delays in treatment, he said, have even resulted in fatalities in some cases.

Growing Participation Across Maharashtra

The proposal also highlighted the growing popularity of Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai, Thane and other parts of Maharashtra, with thousands of Govindas, mostly aged between 15 and 40 years, taking part every year.

It also noted the increasing participation of women Govinda pathaks and the expansion of the tradition beyond the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Welcoming the government’s decision, Purvesh Pratap Sarnaik said prioritising the safety of Govindas would help ensure the festival is celebrated in a safer environment while providing much-needed financial security to participants and their families.

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