NAMAHA, Petitioner for Bharat
Drawing on the Ayushman Bharat model of financial protection for health, Namaha proposes examining a framework built on five pillars: legal protection, cyber and identity protection, income protection, personal liability and financial continuity. The proposed support would apply only to defined events and remain subject to specified limits and eligibility rules.
Under the framework, citizens affected by UPI or other digital fraud would receive access to cyber and identity protection for defined fraud losses and identity misuse. Citizens can currently report fraud immediately through helpline 1930 or the website cybercrime.gov.in, although recovery of lost money is not guaranteed.
For legal crises or arrests, the proposal envisages guidance, advocate coordination and assistance with defined legal expenses. This support would supplement, rather than replace, statutory legal aid. Citizens already have a constitutional right to a lawyer of their choice, while eligible individuals can access free legal aid through Legal Services Authorities by calling the NALSA helpline 15100.
The proposed framework also includes temporary income protection when income loss results from a defined insured event. At present, assistance following income loss depends largely on the employer or specific schemes. For loan equated monthly instalments (EMIs) during a crisis, the proposed financial continuity component would help cover eligible instalments, addressing a situation in which assistance currently depends on the lender and no general safety net exists.
Personal liability coverage within specified limits is another proposed component. It would address accidental harm caused to others, a risk for which protection largely depends on private insurance, where held.
Beyond insurance, Namaha proposes examining a Bharatiya Citizen Protection Act to provide a legal basis for accessible assistance during defined legal, cyber and financial crises, supported by clear eligibility criteria, limits and safeguards.
He has also called for a Bharatiya Police Act centred on citizen rights, transparent procedures, grievance redressal and accountability. A Bharatiya Education Act has been proposed to establish a coherent framework for equal opportunity, quality standards, skill development and institutional accountability. Additionally, Namaha proposes a Bharatiya Petroleum Act to modernise legal and regulatory oversight of the petroleum sector, alongside reforms in other essential sectors wherever warranted.
All the proposed Act names are Namaha's suggestions for public debate. None is an existing or enacted law.
The proposals draw on existing constitutional guarantees. Article 14 provides for equality before the law and equal protection of the laws, while Article 21 protects life and personal liberty. Article 22(1) provides an arrested person with the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice. Article 39A directs the State to secure equal justice and free legal aid.
Namaha argues that these constitutional guarantees must be matched by practical and accessible support. He maintains that renaming laws alone does not constitute reform and that meaningful change requires clear responsibilities, transparent procedures and effective grievance systems.
“A citizen in crisis needs more than advice. We need a system that provides meaningful support, protects people from defined legal and financial risks, and holds institutions accountable. The objective is to make citizen protection accessible, practical and grounded in the rule of law,” said Namaha, Founder of NAMAHA.
To assess the feasibility of the proposed Bharat Citizen Protection Insurance framework, Namaha has called for a feasibility study and a controlled pilot involving the Government, IRDAI, licensed insurers and banks. He has also proposed public consultation and actuarial assessment to determine coverage, premiums, eligibility and benefits before any wider rollout.
The proposed framework seeks to extend citizen protection beyond health and life insurance to defined legal and digital crises. In parallel, Namaha has called for reforms to police, education and other essential-sector laws, with the aim of translating existing rights into accessible procedures and measurable institutional responsibilities.
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