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Title: Need to fulfil the demands of LIC agents.
DR. R. SENTHIL (DHARMAPURI): Madam Chairperson, thank you very much for permitting me to raise this very important issue in the House.
LIC has been a major public sector organization providing life insurance cover to a large number of people in this country. Today, it has emerged as a major player in the field of insurance despite keen competition from private sector agencies both within and outside India. The present stature of LIC is that it has been built up brick by brick by the toil and moil of its field workers. In fact, in its formative and nascent stages, it was the field worker who carried the message of life insurance to the width and breadth of this country. Today, about 14 lakh LIC field agents have brought strength and vitality to this organization. They should be recognized in the vital organic link between the people and LIC.
Unfortunately, the LIC has not recognized this in a situation of fierce competition from the MNCs. Besides, being an act of non-gratitude, the LIC is committing a strategic mistake by ignoring these erstwhile pillars of LIC.
These agents are very much disturbed by the Informal Consultative Committee’s circular dated 5th May, 2006. Their demands such as (1) introduction of senior agency system as suggested by the R.N. Malhotra Committee, (2) incentives for direct agents, (3) amendments to Agents Regulation Act, 1972, Sections 16 and 19, (4) pension and welfare fund, (5) increase in gratuity at par with regular employees, (6) appropriate remuneration, are genuine and basic needs.
Therefore, I urge upon the Ministry of Finance to acknowledge them duly by conferring all legitimate benefits and arrange for a tripartite meeting with these poor souls and give them a chance to present their case. Thank you.
DR. K.S. MANOJ : I also associate with what Dr. Senthil has said.
MADAM CHAIRMAN : The House stands adjourned to meet again on 18th December, 2006 at 11 a.m.
20.12 hrs. The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Eleven of the Clock
on[r70] Monday, December 18, 2006/Agrahayana 27, 1928 (Saka).
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