UP starts mediation training for insurers amid 2 lakh accident claims backlog

The Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority has launched special mediation training for insurance officials. The move aims to speed up claim settlements and reduce hardship for litigants and courts.

In Short

• The campaign runs in Gomti Nagar from Monday until October 16
• Officials are being trained for pre-litigation and pending court dispute settlements
• Supreme Court mediation panel master trainers are conducting the 40-hour sessions

The Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority has started a 40-hour special mediation training programme for designated officials of insurance companies, as legal officials highlighted that more than two lakh motor accident claims are pending in the state. The programme is part of the Mediation for the Nation 3.0 campaign, which aims to speed up the resolution of insurance disputes and reduce the burden on courts.

The campaign began on Monday in Gomti Nagar and will continue till October 16. It is focused on helping insurance company officials play a more effective role in settling suitable disputes through mediation, both before cases are filed and while they are pending in court.

UPSLSA member secretary Dr Manu Kalia said the initiative is being organised under the patronage of Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath, the guidance of Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, and the directions of Allahabad High Court senior judge Justice Arindam Sinha. The training sessions are being conducted by master trainers from the Supreme Court's Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee.

Kalia said more than two lakh cases are pending before motor accident claims tribunals across Uttar Pradesh, and this number does not include appeals and special leave petitions. Since insurance companies are parties in these cases, he said their role is important in resolving disputes through mediation.

A meeting with senior insurance company officials also stressed the need to save claimants from the hardship of long litigation. Special attention was given to cases involving minor claimants, with emphasis on early settlement through fair agreements in accordance with law. During the training, officials are being taught communication and negotiation skills, ways to explore settlement options, and techniques to help both sides reach mutually acceptable solutions.

The initiative is aimed at resolving suitable insurance disputes through mediation at different stages, so that claimants get timely relief and courts face a lower case burden.

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