Bokaro, Aug. 11: The 309 surviving Birhor tribesmen have been brought under a group insurance scheme, said deputy commissioner Amarendra Pratap Singh.

Birhors are a primitive, hunting tribe and their number hovers around a couple of thousands at best. Efforts were being made to ensure that Birhors maintain their identity while joining the mainstream.

The district administration said the deputy commissioner would pay a monthly premium of Rs 100 to the Birhors.

In case of death of a Birhor, the nominee receives a sum of Rs 50,000 and in case of grievous injury or loss of a limb, the company will pay the insured person a sum of Rs 25,000.

The district welfare officer has been made a nodal officer and he would be responsible for the regular payment of the premium. He would also ensure that injured Birhors receive the required treatment and insurance money.

“We are trying to do everything possible to stop the decline of Birhors and provide them all kinds of assistance, including financial, medical and professional,” said Singh.

The DC also mentioned that the district administration had deputed an employee for training outside the state following a spurt in incidents of dog-bites. He has returned and has been directed to chalk out a strategy to arrest the number of stray dogs and ensure treatment for the victims, in consultation with the civil surgeon.