Appeal in PLI/RPLI Death Claim cases
Standard Operating Procedure – SoP
Background
As per PLI Directorate letter no. 25-1/2020-LI dated 21.08.2020, approver limits for settlement of death claim cases have been revised as under:
(i) PLI/RPLI Death Claim cases involving no investigation (to be settled within 30 days)
| Approving Authority | Amount Limit (single or aggregate sum assured) |
| Postmaster (HSG-I/HSG-II), Sr. Postmaster (Gr. B), Dy. Chief Postmaster (Gr. B), AD of HO (Gr B) headed by Director | Upto Rs. 20 lakhs |
| Head of Division (Gr A/ Gr B), Chief Postmaster (Gr A), Dy. Director of HO (Gr A) headed by Director | More than Rs. 20 lakhs and upto Rs. 50 lakhs |
(ii) PLI/RPLI Death Claim cases involving investigation i.e. death within 3 years of acceptance of policy (to be settled within 90 days)
| Approving Authority | Amount Limit (single or aggregate sum assured) |
| Director GPO (JAG)/ Director (HQ)/Regional DPS (JAG) | All cases irrespective of Sum Assured |
2. In order to further improve the quality of customer service, it has been decided to introduce a provision of Appeal in all such death claim cases where the approving authority concerned has not found the claim fit for approval and has rejected the claim. An appeal can now be preferred by the claimant (nominee/legal heir etc) against rejection of a death claim case in respect of PLI/RPLI. The Standard Operating Procedure in this regard is laid out as under:-
2.1 Cases where Appeal can be made
An appeal can be submitted by the claimant against rejection of ‘Death Claim’ case.
2.2 Appellate Authority
Appeal against rejection of death claim cases shall lie with the authority, who is the next higher authority of the Approving Authority as detailed under:
| Approving Authority | Appellate Authority |
| Postmaster (HSG-I/HSG-II), Sr. Postmaster (Gr. B) | Divisional Head |
| Dy. Chief Postmaster (Gr. B) | Chief Postmaster (Gr A) |
| AD of HO (Gr B) headed by Director, Dy. Director of HO (Gr A) headed by Director | Director (GPO) |
| Head of Division (Gr A/ Gr B), Chief Postmaster (Gr A), | Director Postal Services (Region/HQ) |
| Director Postal Services (Region) | Postmaster General |
| Director Postal Services (HQ) | Chief Postmaster General |
2.3 In case the post of Appellate Authority is lying vacant or incumbent is on leave, the appeal shall lie with the officer who is holding the charge of the Appellate Authority.
2.4 Details of the Appellate Authority shall be mentioned on the rejection letter issued to the claimant. The following shall be mentioned on the rejection letter:
“In case you are not satisfied with the decision of the authority concerned, you may file an appeal against the decision within 90 days of receipt of this communication to the following:-
Designation of the Appellate Authority
Postal Address with pincode
Email id:[email protected]”
The appeal should be supported by relevant rules and documents etc., as applicable.”
3. Time limit to file the Appeal
3.1 The Appeal may be submitted by the claimant herein after called appellant to the Appellate Authority within 90 days of receipt of the rejection letter.
3.2 The Appellate Authority may condone the delay in filing the appeal within prescribed time of 90 days, if she/he is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal in time.
4. Manner of submission of Appeal
4.1 The appellant may submit his appeal in writing to the Appellate Authority either in person or through post/email.
4.2 Alternatively, appeal may also be submitted at any CPC. The CPC shall immediately forward the appeal to the Appellate Authority concerned by Registered Post or by proper entry.
4.3 The appellant should elaborate the grounds for appeal and relevant documents etc. be enclosed in support of the same.
5. Action by Appellate Authority
5.1 An Appeal Register shall be maintained at the office of the Appellate Authority in the following format:
| Sl. | Date of receipt of Appeal | Name & Address of the Appellant | Grounds of Appeal in brief | Date of decision on Appeal | Date and particulars of dispatch of Appellate Order |
Also Read : Department of Post Orders 2020
5.2 On receipt of appeal, the Appellate Authority may take one or more than one of the following steps, if deemed necessary:
5.2.1 May call for additional information/documents from the Appellant 5.2.2 May call for detailed report from the Approving Authority /CPC
5.2.3 May give personal hearing to the Appellant
5.3 The Appeal shall be decided within 45 days from the date of receipt of appeal by the appellate authority.
5.4 The order passed by the Appellate Authority shall be a reasoned order containing detailed justification, rulings, documents etc. which were relied upon while deciding the appeal.
5.5 The order passed by the Appellate Authority shall be conveyed to the appellant by authorized mode of transmission. A copy of the order shall also be marked to the Approving Authority, against whom the appeal was made for information and record
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