New Delhi — In a strong show of solidarity with the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced sweeping relaxations in claim procedures and pledged to expedite settlements for affected families. The move comes in response to the brutal terrorist ambush that claimed multiple civilian lives, sparking national outrage and mourning.
LIC, India’s largest life insurer, said it stands in “deep sorrow” over the tragic loss of innocent lives and is committed to providing financial support without bureaucratic delays. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, LIC Chairman and Managing Director Siddharta Mohanty unveiled a series of concessions aimed at removing procedural hurdles and delivering relief with urgency and empathy.
Alternative Proof of Death Accepted in Place of Certificates
One of the most significant measures is LIC’s decision to waive the requirement of a formal death certificate for claim settlements arising from the terror attack. Instead, the corporation will accept:
Government records confirming the death of the policyholder in the Pahalgam attack, and
Proof of compensation or ex-gratia payments made by central or state authorities to the deceased’s family.
“This is a time of unimaginable loss. We believe it is our moral responsibility to ensure that victims’ families are not made to run pillar to post for documentation,” said a senior LIC official.
Nationwide Push to Reach Affected Families
LIC has launched a nationwide outreach drive through its vast network of branches and customer zones to proactively identify and contact the families of deceased policyholders. Field officers have been instructed to personally assist families with the claims process, ensuring every legitimate claim is processed swiftly.
In addition, the insurer has created a dedicated helpdesk at its zonal and divisional offices specifically for terror attack-related claims. Families can also reach out to the LIC call center at 022 68276827 for support.
Fast-Tracked Claim Settlement Protocol Activated
To ensure timely disbursement of insurance claims, LIC has activated its fast-track settlement protocol, which includes:
Dedicated teams at regional offices to handle terror-related cases exclusively,
Priority claims processing for Pahalgam victims, and
Direct coordination with government agencies for verification of identity and compensation records.
Sources within LIC say most claims are expected to be cleared within days, as opposed to the weeks-long processing times seen in standard cases. The directive from the top management is clear: zero tolerance for red tape in a time of national tragedy.
A Legacy of Support in Times of National Crisis
Over the years, LIC has emerged as a pillar of financial security during national emergencies. Whether in the aftermath of natural disasters, communal riots, or terror strikes, the insurer has consistently extended relaxations and delivered timely assistance.
In 2016, following the Uri terror attack, and again in 2019 after the Pulwama bombing, LIC had announced similar relief packages. This latest intervention, officials say, reaffirms LIC’s position not just as a business entity but as a lifeline for Indian families in distress.
“LIC is not just an insurance provider; it is a national institution with a soul,” said a former LIC executive. “When the country grieves, LIC stands shoulder to shoulder with its people.”
Call for Awareness: Keep Policies Updated
While the spotlight remains on the Pahalgam victims, LIC is also using this moment to urge the public to ensure that their insurance nominations and policy details are up to date. In several past cases, delays occurred due to outdated nominee information or untraceable documents.
Policyholders are encouraged to:
Review their nominee details regularly,
Store policy numbers and key documents securely, and
Inform family members about active policies.
India Grieves, LIC Responds
As the country comes to terms with the grim reality of yet another terror attack, LIC’s prompt and compassionate response has drawn praise from both state authorities and civil society.
Families in Kashmir and across India are expected to begin receiving claim settlements in the coming days, offering financial stability at a time of overwhelming grief.
In the words of one LIC officer on ground in Srinagar, “We can’t bring back the lives lost. But we can do our part to ensure their families aren’t left in despair.”
Claimants Can Reach Out Here:
Phone: 022 68276827
In-Person: Nearest LIC Branch / Division / Customer Zone
Website: www.licindia.in
