I have read about the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) group insurance scheme for the community ("An assured success,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, May 21-June 6, 2025). However, since only about eight percent of Parsis in India are reported to have availed of the scheme, one is left wondering whether this is a reflection of the merits of the scheme or whether the low percentage is due to the very short deadline for enrollment.
Why should there be a deadline at all? Purchase deadlines in commerce are understandable if the seller is offering a product at an unusually low price to quickly get rid of excess stock. But a well-designed insurance plan should not have a deadline for subscribing — particularly such a short one. Yearly increases in premiums to adjust for increasing costs are understandable. But a deadline, with no further subscribers seems strange.
Dr JAMSHED A. MODI
modi36@rediffmail.com
The editors reply:
Eight percent should be considered a good response rate. It is unlikely that any other similar insurance scheme for a community could have generated such a result. Parsis can continue to enroll for coverage but preexisting illnesses may not be covered or the premium may be higher.
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